Since 2009, Head Coach Amy Zombeck of the UMass Boston Women’s soccer program has experienced immense success. In those six season at the helm, Zombeck has steered her squad to the Little East Conference tournament every single year. More recently, Zombeck has helped spearhead the women’s soccer program to three straight LEC tournament titles since 2012.
Despite her vast accomplishments, the team anticipates having some difficulties after losing several players from last season’s roster. The most significant loss is that of Krista Ledin, the striker who netted over 100 career goals during her time at UMass Boston. Not to mention, Ledin also received numerous All-American awards during her stint as a Beacon. Unfortunately, Ledin and other graduating players have left a void in the team’s core that will be difficult to fill. 
Coach Zombeck does expect some of her upperclassmen to make up for lost weight, even though their shoes will be hard to fill. One of these key returning players is Senior Captain Kara Peters. Peters is expected to play an important role as central midfielder, but she is currently rehabbing a leg injury. However, Peters is not crushed by the injury; quite the opposite, in fact. “I am excited to get back on the field and help our team out there,” said Peters. “I think we have some young talent, and some solid returning players. If we work hard and come together, we have the chance to do some damage this season.”
Peters isn’t the only player that has high expectations for the team. The Senior Captain, Sam Bendick shares Peters’ eagerness to see what the Beacons can do this year. “We did lose some talent last year, but our returners have spent time improving their games as well,” said Bendick. “It will be a process, but we should be successful. If we can hold our own in conference games against Keene State, Eastern and Western Connecticut, then we should reach the LEC postseason tourney. From there, anything can happen.”
Bendick is right: once teams reach postseason, nothing is guaranteed and anyone has a shot. Just take a look at March Madness. Historically there are always upsets and surprises in every round. Coach Zombeck has a similar belief: if the team can reach the postseason they will have another tremendous shot at winning the Little East Conference title. “Like any year, it’s going to be a battle. Any given year anyone can win it,” said Zombeck. “We have a lot of new players so it’s going to take a little bit of time getting them to mesh. But eventually, I think we will get there and experience success towards the end of the year and postseason.”
As this upcoming season approaches, it is unknown how the Beacon’s soccer program will perform. Regardless, one thing is clear, the team is motivated and prepared for the chance to hold up the Little East Conference trophy at the end of postseason.