The Final Flight: Owls Ready for Emotional Senior Night Showdown
As the 2025 season winds down, Kennesaw State women’s soccer looks to soar one last time at home this Saturday night. The Owls will face Middle Tennessee at Walens Family Field at Fifth Third Stadium in what promises to be an emotional and high-stakes season finale.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. on Saturday, October 25, as the Black and Gold (2-10-4, 1-5-1 CUSA) aim to close their campaign on a winning note against the Blue Raiders (9-5-3, 4-2-1 CUSA).
The Owls come into the match fresh off their first Conference USA victory of the season, a thrilling 2–1 win over Jacksonville State last weekend — a result that perfectly set the stage for Senior Night.
Last Time Out: A Storybook Win in the Sunshine
Last Saturday’s triumph over Jax State had everything — drama, determination, and a little bit of destiny.
Senior Brenna Young delivered a crisp assist on Raelyn Prince’s third goal of the season, before freshman Mackenzie Anuska stepped into the spotlight with a stunning game-winner — her first collegiate goal.
“It was the perfect way for our seniors to celebrate,” said Head Coach Chris Cahill. “They’ve worked so hard to set the standard for this program, and we wanted to send them off with a performance that reflects their commitment.”
The win wasn’t just symbolic — it was significant. It showed a team still fighting for pride and progress, even in a rebuilding year.
Cahill Faces His Former Team
Saturday’s match carries a little extra emotion for Head Coach Chris Cahill, who spent 11 years as an assistant at Middle Tennessee (2012–2022) before taking over at KSU.
Since arriving in Kennesaw, Cahill has emphasized culture and consistency, two traits that are starting to take root despite the growing pains of the Owls’ first years in Conference USA.
He’ll be searching for his first win against his former squad — a moment that would make Senior Night even sweeter.
“You always circle that one,” Cahill admitted earlier this season. “But at the end of the day, it’s about the players. I want them to enjoy every minute of it.”
Senior Class Leaves Legacy of Leadership
Last Saturday’s Senior Night recognition honored 11 Owls, marking one of the largest graduating classes in program history. Each has left a mark — on and off the field.
From Brenna Young’s back-to-back goals this fall to Rebecca Womer’s key assists and Raelyn Prince’s steady scoring presence, this group has provided a blueprint for the future.
Even newcomers like Anuska have benefitted from their mentorship. “They’ve built a family environment here,” Anuska said after her game-winner. “You can feel it in every training session.”
Player Spotlights: Whitehead and Womer Rise Up
Junior Sydni Whitehead continues to be one of the team’s anchors in midfield. Her 50th career start and 50th career game both came against Missouri State, where she logged her first goal as an Owl. A transfer from Bellarmine, Whitehead has started every match this season, proving indispensable in transition play.
Meanwhile, Rebecca Womer has been the engine of creativity. After recording assists in consecutive matches and scoring twice in the 7–0 rout of Alabama State earlier this year, she’s cemented herself as one of KSU’s most consistent playmakers.
Scouting the Opponent: Middle Tennessee’s Norwegian Connection
The Blue Raiders arrive with plenty to play for — already qualified for the C-USA Tournament, but still jockeying for seeding. Their attack runs through Emma Pettersen, who was just named Conference USA Offensive Player of the Week.
Pettersen ranks second in CUSA with eight goals and 20 total points, often linking up with fellow Norwegian Idun Kvaale, who’s tied for second in the league with five assists.
In goal, sophomore Demi Gronauer has been reliable, starting 14 matches and posting a 0.704 save percentage.
“They’re technical, well-coached, and efficient in transition,” Cahill noted. “We’ll have to stay organized and finish our chances.”
History at Walens Family Field
This season also marked a new era for KSU Athletics. On August 19, the program announced that the field at Fifth Third Stadium would be renamed Walens Family Field, following a $4 million philanthropic gift from Dave and Donna Walens.
It’s more than just a name change — it’s a statement of belief in the future of KSU sports. The investment enhances facilities for soccer, football, and lacrosse, strengthening the campus’s identity as a home for competitive collegiate athletics.
The Owls Fund: Supporting the Future
Behind every great team is a community of supporters. The Owls Fund, Kennesaw State’s primary athletic fundraising arm, connects fans directly to the student-athletes they cheer for.
Through initiatives like Legacy Lockers, the Dot Martin Scholarship Golf Classic, and sport-specific giving, the fund empowers programs to compete at the highest level.
What This Means for KSU Soccer
The final match of 2025 isn’t just about results — it’s about reflection and momentum.
A win would give KSU back-to-back victories for the first time this season and send their seniors off in style. More importantly, it would serve as a foundation heading into the offseason, where Cahill and his staff will continue building toward long-term success in the ever-competitive CUSA landscape.
Join the Conversation
KSU fans — can the Owls close their season with a statement win? Which senior has impressed you most this year?
Share your predictions in the comments or tag @ATLSoccerNews and @KSUOwlNation on X (Twitter).
Use #OwlsFlyHigh and #ASNGameDay to share your best matchday photos — the top posts will be featured in our Atlanta Soccer News weekly recap.
Author: Quique Lopez
Quique Lopez doesn’t just cover soccer—he deconstructs it with the precision of a veteran and the wit of a storyteller. A former player who sees the pitch as both a tactical chessboard and a cultural stage, Quique balances sharp critiques with a genuine love for the game’s soul. He’s as quick to call out the ego of a superstar as he is to find the hidden beauty in a local derby.