The DII women's soccer season is a little over one month into its schedule. During that one month of play, several freshmen have taken center stage, finding the back of the net quite often. These fabulous freshmen aren't simply stuffing the box scores and DII leaderboards, but helping in some big turnarounds for their respective programs.
⚽️ 5 DII women’s soccer teams that can win their first national championship in 2025
Freshmen scoring machines (all stats through Oct. 5)
Jada Cole, Edinboro
Just how good has Cole been to start her DII women’s soccer career? Not only is she leading all freshmen in total goals, but she’s also tied for second in all DII with 10. Cole has scored at least one goal in eight-straight matches, and the Fighting Scots are 6-2 over that span. That’s even more impressive when you consider Edinboro was a five-win team last year. Cole is without question a game-changer.
"Jada is a student of the game,” said head coach Gary Kagiavas. “She does the extra work needed to know who she's playing against and what to look for. Even more important however, is her infectious personality that brings the team closer together and allows the team to enjoy the experience. We are truly lucky to have Jada on our squad. Not only because of her play, but mostly of the person she is.”
Scarlett Hirschy, Young Harris
Hirschy just won the September freshmen of the month for Conference Carolinas and picked things up with a hat trick to open October. Hirschy leads the conference with eight goals, which puts her in the top 5 of DII, and she just entered the starting 11 three matches ago. Hirschy scores her goals in bunches with three on Oct. 1 and a pair of two-goal matches on Sept. 13 and 27. The Mountain Lions have yet to lose a match in which Hirschy has scored, now 3-0-1 in those matches.
"There are few things that make Scarlett special," said head coach Avram Allen. "She has something that is hard to come by in today's game, which is a killer instinct and a strong desire to score goals. If you give her a step, she wants to punish the defender and goalkeeper.
"Scarlett can score with either foot from a variety of ranges, and she does not shy away from the big moments. So far that is where she has excelled. I look forward to see what else she can bring as she grows and continues to develop as a young player."
Eboni Bradshaw, Wilmington (DE)
Bradshaw isn’t simply a goal-scoring machine, she is putting up points aplenty. With her first career hat trick on Oct. 4, Bradshaw now has eight goals to go with five assists, giving her 21 points and making her the point leader among all freshmen. Overall, the Wildcats are 6-1-3, but they are unbeaten at 5-0-2 when Bradshaw scores a goal or records an assist (or both).
"Eboni brings a clinical presence to the pitch that elevates any attacking unit," explained head coach Sam Cain. "She’s been a major influence behind our offense this season and an invaluable asset to our program at Wilmington University."
Saoirse Hourigan, Southwestern Oklahoma State
Last year, the Bulldogs were 5-8-5. With the addition of Hourigan’s hot foot, SWOSU is off to a 7-2 start and undefeated in GAC play. Hourigan is tied for the conference lead in goals scored and among the top 10 in DII. She is also third in the GAC with three assists, making her the overall point leader with 15. Hourigan isn’t simply scoring goals for a surprising Bulldog squad; she’s helping create opportunities for her teammates.
"Saoirse has been a great addition to our young team," head coach Mark Persson said. "She has a good ability to read the game and create opportunities, both on and off the ball. Saoirse continues to be a threat in the attack as well as doing the defensive work when needed. She is a good finisher around the 18 and can find the open pass to set up her teammates... and has a great work rate and should continue to develop as she gains experience."
Elizabeth Schoeneberger, Assumption
Assumption is another improved team and the Greyhounds are certainly fueled by their freshman forward. Schoeneberger has scored six goals in eight matches and Assumption is out to a 5-1-2 start one year after finishing 7-5-6. Schoeneberger leads the NE10 in shots and game-winning goals with three, and her six goals scored are tied for second-most in the conference. She has a pair of matches with two goals scored already on her resume.
"[Liz] has made an immediate impact," head coach Chip Warner told krikya18.com. "We brought Liz in as we knew she could score goals. Her size, technical ability, athleticism, coachability and speed have set her apart. This year she scored with her left foot, right foot and head. She has three game winning goals and continues to seek guidance on how to get better."
Others to watch
Chandler Wheat (pictured above) of DBU has been on fire of late. After going pointless in her first three games, she has five goals and four assists in her last seven games. She also had a pair of two-goal performances in consecutive matches to end September and open October... Nova Southeastern’s Oliwia Loeman has five goals for the Sharks. What has her impact been on the team? She's tied for the second-most goals on the team in a reserve role for a team that has started out 7-0-2 after finishing 8-6-4 a year ago... Anae Buehlmann from Charleston (WV) was moved into the starting 11 on Sept. 28, and has scored three goals in three matches since.
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