Northern Star: UWS Men’s & Women’s Soccer

The UWS men's team is set for their 7th national tournament in eight years. And the women are gearing up for their 4th straight.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- UW-Superior continues to prove that it is a soccer school.

On Saturday, both the Yellowjacket men’s and women’s squads recaptured their UMAC conference crowns.

“This group just really has a different dynamic. There’s such a good balance of enjoyment and buy in and intensity. I really do think the care for one another is something we always talk about in our program and I’m always proud of our guys. But, there’s just years where you kind of have that x-factor and I feel like this group really does,” said men’s head coach Joe Mooney.

The UWS men’s team is set for their 7th national tournament in eight years. And the women are gearing up for their 4th straight.

“This group has been led by 12 seniors that care deeply and are committed. That truly put this team and this program before themselves regularly. Yeah we’ve hit adverse moments throughout the season, we’ve hit challenges and when we do this team chooses to come closer,” added women’s head coach Allison DeGroot.

For some players the tournament gives them a chance to add to their legacy.

“If we want to go win the national championship, we have to be able to beat any team. So that’s they way we’re looking at it. Just playing who we have to play, focusing on ourselves and trying to get to that next round. Get the first one down,” said men’s forward Jake Kidd.

And for some it could be the cherry on top to a stellar career.

“As far as butterflies go, this is the most I’ve ever had. This group has been the most special that’s forsure. I think getting to go out there with a team we’re confident in matching up against with 30 of my best friends, all the butterflies in the world,” added women’s forward Niya Wilson.

The UWS men face North Park on Saturday at 1:30 and the women will battle Carleton at 3:30 to begin NCAA Tournament play.