TOLEDO, Ohio – The Toledo women's soccer team has been anticipating the start of the 2023 season since the hiring of head coach Mark Batman last December. Now with the start of the 2023 season less than a week away, the Rockets are eager to begin their journey toward building a championship program.

The Midnight Blue and Gold will open the regular season on the road at UIC on Thursday, Aug. 17 in Chicago, Ill. Toledo's home-opener series includes two high-profile home games against Loyola-Chicago on Thursday, Aug. 24, and 2022 NCAA Sweet 16 team Northwestern on Sunday, Aug. 27.

"We are excited about a new start, excited about the direction of the group," Batman said. "The team has been great with change. They have been great with accepting everything new. We'll see what this season has in store."

The Rockets welcome back 19 players this fall, including 2021 MAC Freshman of the Year, McKenna Schultz who returns after being sidelined for a majority of the 2022 season with an injury.

Batman has a large incoming class of 10 freshmen, plus sophomore transfer Alli Macbeth from Ohio Northern University. The Rockets also welcome two new assistant coaches this season, Cliff Brandmier, who brings over 20 years of coaching experience, and Sam Tiongson, who played for Toledo as a goalkeeper from 2012-15.

The following is a brief look at the 2023 team.

Forwards
Senior Madison "Mojo" Medalle and junior Mia Leonetti are back after leading the wingers with three goals apiece during 2022. Leonetti led the whole team with four assists, while Medalle tacked on three.

UT's other returning forwards include Kaema Amachree, Jenna Foley, Caylee Jozefov, Chloe Tadolini, Grace Turski, and Brooklyn Whitehead. Freshman Maddy Bettys will join the forwards this fall.

Midfielders
The largest group on the team, the midfielders, are led by junior Olivia Dault, who was second on the team last season with 37 shots and was 1-for-1 in penalty kicks. Senior Emily Mann saw the most minutes of the midfielders with 1,445 minutes of action, while senior Adele Stradling started 16 games in her first complete season in a Rockets uniform.

The midfielders will look to incorporate newcomers Kate Passella, Alli Macbeth, Carys Bourbeau, Keeley Clinton, Mia Davis, and Kayla Flory into the line.

Defenders
The Rockets have a split group of newcomers and veteran defenders this season. Junior Miranda Sullivan logged 1,449 minutes on the turf, the most of any defender. Other returnees include Alexys LaDue, Rylee Michaels, Schultz, and Olivia Watson. Incoming freshmen Mallory Como, Landry Olson, and Erin McElroy will be battling for playing time.

Goalkeepers
Junior Karson Hill led the Rockets keepers last season after stepping in as keeper when starter Emma Boutorwick was injured and missed the majority of the 2022 season. Hill recorded 92 saves with a .667 save percentage, recording her first collegiate shutout vs Miami (Oct. 16). Boutorwick, a senior, is back for her fifth year, along with redshirt-freshman Brielle Young, and incoming freshman Siani Jones.

The top six teams in the conference standings make the Mid-American Conference Tournament, which starts with quarterfinals on Sunday, Oct. 29. The semifinals are scheduled for Nov. 2, and the championship game is set for Nov. 5.

For ticket information, go to UTRockets.com/tix or call 419-530-GOLD (4653)

Follow the Rocket
Be sure to follow the Rockets' women's soccer team on social media:

• Twitter: @ToledoSoccer
• Instagram: toledosoccer
• Threads: toledosoccer
• Facebook: Toledo Soccer