Bowling Green, OH, August 3, 2025
News Summary
Maddie Davis, goalkeeper for WKU Soccer, has been named to the United Soccer Coaches Players to Watch List, highlighting her as one of the country’s top goalkeepers. During the 2024 season, she excelled in Conference USA play, boasting a goals against average of 0.667 and earning the title of CUSA Goalkeeper of the Year. Meanwhile, BGSU women’s soccer begins preparations for their upcoming season with new coaching staff and a mix of returning and new players poised to elevate the team’s performance.
Bowling Green, OH – Maddie Davis Recognized Among Soccer’s Elite
Western Kentucky University (WKU) goalkeeper Maddie Davis, a standout player from Waterloo, Illinois, has been named to the esteemed United Soccer Coaches Players to Watch List. This announcement, made on the morning of August 1, 2025, highlights Davis as one of only 13 goalkeepers recognized nationwide for her exceptional talent and skills on the field.
Under the guidance of head coach Jason Neidell, Davis has established herself as an elite player, supportive of her team, and integral to their success. In the 2024 season, she recorded an impressive performance, allowing only six goals during Conference USA (CUSA) play. Her goals against average (GAA) of 0.667 was the best in the league, showcasing her defensive prowess. Throughout the season, she achieved five clean sheets and maintained an outstanding save percentage of 86.0, leading the conference.
Davis’ stellar performance did not go unnoticed, as she was honored as the CUSA Goalkeeper of the Year in 2024 and twice earned the title of CUSA Goalkeeper of the Week on September 24 and October 29. Over her career at WKU, she has logged 14 shutouts, which ties for third-most in the university’s history, and her 123 career saves rank her fifth at WKU. Her GAA of 1.14 is currently fourth in the school’s record books.
Preparations Underway for BGSU Women’s Soccer Season
Meanwhile, Bowling Green State University (BGSU) women’s soccer program has kicked off preparations for their 2025 season. The initial organizational meetings and a media day have already taken place. Head coach Chris Fox led the team in their first practice of the preseason on Tuesday.
BGSU has welcomed two new assistant coaches, Steven Samuel and Kyle Pettican, just in time for the new season. The active roster consists of eight newcomers and 20 returning student-athletes, ensuring a blend of fresh talent and experienced players. Among the returning athletes, seven starters from the previous year are set to contribute significantly this season.
Junior Emma Stransky is expected to be a key player, having scored four goals and earned ten points last season. She has made a name for herself with five game-winning goals over her tenure at BGSU. Other returning juniors include Emme Butera, who started all 18 games last season and contributed seven points, and Taylor Green, who helped in achieving six clean sheets.
The team anticipates the return of several players from injuries, enhancing their chances going into the season. Among them are Christie Fransen, Audrey Oliver, Ellie Pool, Jayna Searles, and Minah Syam. New additions include five Division-I transfers and three freshmen players, augmenting the squad’s potential.
BGSU will face Vanderbilt in a scrimmage on August 4, before their regular season opener against Oakland at Cochrane Stadium on August 14. The Falcons will have the advantage of playing 11 home regular-season matches—the highest number since 2016. In the previous season, they finished with a record of 7-7-4 and qualified for the MAC Tournament for the eighth consecutive year.
Summary of Key Information
| Team | Highlight | Upcoming Matches |
|---|---|---|
| WKU Soccer | Maddie Davis awarded United Soccer Coaches Players to Watch List | First match: August 14 against Ohio |
| BGSU Women’s Soccer | Multiple new players and coaching staff; first practice held | Scrimmage: August 4 against Vanderbilt; Season opener: August 14 against Oakland |
FAQ
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Sentinel-Tribune: Preseason Underway for Fox Falcons
- Wikipedia: Women’s Soccer
- BG Falcon Media: BGSU Women’s Soccer Announces 2025 Spring Schedule
- Google Search: WKU Soccer
- Golden Grizzlies: Women’s Soccer Shines on Defense
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Soccer
- Miami Redhawks: Miami Claims Late Tying Goal Against Bowling Green
- Google News: BGSU Women’s Soccer
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