Women's Soccer Looks for Growth in New Era

CARLINVILLE, IL -- Blackburn College Women's Soccer enters the 2025 season looking for season-long improvement as they begin a new era in program history with a new coach.  

Entering their first full season after taking over in the middle of the 2024 season, Head Coach Andy Arterburn and Assistant Coach Sophia King return five from last season and will look to them to lead as they welcome 10 new faces to the team in hopes of making an immediate impact this season. 

Seniors Janelle Naumann, Kayla Mantia and Kara Mantia will bring their experiences they've gained over the past three years as Naumann moves to a new role on the back line while Kayla Mantia and Kara Mantia lead the defensive midfield. Kara's leadership will be on display as she serves as team captain for her second year. 

In addition to Naumann and Kayla Mantia, Sophomore Theresa Smith and Junior College transfer Molli Bohannon will help guide the team's back line. They will be joined by freshman Stephanie Padron. 

Freshman Cristina Zelaya, Giselle Moya, Amelia Brown, and Paige Schmelzer will all look to control the middle of the field for the Beavers. Sophomore Stefania Scardigno returns to the team after missing all of her freshman season due to injury. 

Freshman Madelis Garcia and Grace Vidmar will be positioned on the wings to add some offensive spark. 

In the net, the team features two newcomers who are expected to make a large impact in freshman Emma Zaidle and Allison Nebelsick. 

The season kicks off with a match against University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy Tuesday, September 2. The home schedule starts Saturday, September 13 when they host Spurgeon College. St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play will begin Homecoming Weekend by hosting Greenville College on Saturday, September 27.