Great Lakes Wire

MARQUETTE, Mich. - Following a successful 2023 season where the Wildcats secured the GLIAC Regular Season title, GLIAC Tournament title, and hosted an opening round of the NCAA Tournament, the Northern Michigan University (NMU) women's soccer team has been picked to repeat as conference champions for the 2024 season.

Under head coach Jon Sandoval, the Wildcats had their best season in NMU women's soccer history in 2023. Sandoval was named conference coach of the year as his team set records for single-season wins, fewest losses in a season, and highest winning percentage. During his tenure, Sandoval has led the Wildcats to four consecutive winning seasons with an overall record of 48-17-11 and a conference record of 31-8-10. The team has also maintained a strong home-field advantage with a record of 28-2-7 at Marquette.

"One thing our team has become accustomed to is facing teams on their best day," said head coach Sandoval. "Over the last few years we've been nationally ranked and in very good positions, and when you do those things, every team wants to knock you off. We want to continue to prove teams wrong."

Sandoval's staff for 2024 includes first-year assistant coach Natalie Stampfly, a 2022 NMU graduate who was a five-year letterwinner and two-year captain of the NMU soccer team from 2018-2022. Stampfly served as a graduate assistant for Georgia College & State University's women's soccer team in 2023.

Alongside Stampfly are volunteer assistant coach Haley Viitala, second-year soccer data analyst Vince Rodkey, and graduate assistant goalkeeper coach Bryce Beckley.

"I'm super excited for the staff; Natalie, Bryce, and Haley—that's three alumni right there—and when you have alumni on your staff they automatically come in with this dedication, commitment, and love from the program," said Sandoval. "I've noticed that from Natalie right away. She's hit the ground running; her communication style will fit well with our players."

The Wildcats return several key players including All-Americans Molly Pistorius and Maria Storm along with All-District selection Brooke Pietila. Pistorius and Storm were recognized as GLIAC offensive and defensive players of the year respectively while Pietila earned first-team all-conference honors. Additionally returning are second-team selections Stephanie Trujillo and breakout goalkeeper Jillian Thompson—who led the nation in shutouts last season—as well as GLIAC honorable mention forward Hannah Kastamo.

"Coming into a program that was rising when I was a freshman and continuing to rise—I’d say last year was a great year for us—but coming into preseason nothing really matters anymore," said Pistorius. "I think this team can't get complacent; we need to continue to stay strong."

"Last year we had so much success because we trained hard from August through November," added Pietila. "Each year we think of goals to accomplish, and it seems like each year we keep building upon those goals."

The Wildcats will introduce nine freshmen into their roster for 2024—a group that Sandoval believes will benefit from learning alongside experienced players.

"Any time you come in during this type of situation you have this opportunity to learn from a group that won a conference championship and got us to the national tournament," stated Sandoval. "We're excited to see these players come in and hopefully be impactful right away but also understand the challenge they have because of all-American returners we have."

The Wildcats' pre-season exhibition against Lewis is scheduled for Saturday, August 24 at Marquette before kicking off their regular season on September 5 in Duluth Minnesota followed by their first home match against Grand Valley State on September 20.