ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Bobby's back. Bobby McColl, who coached the Roberts Wesleyan University women's soccer team from 2013-15 was hired in February to guide the program for a second time.
"It's good to be back," said McColl, who compiled a 35-20-5 record and led the Redhawks to the 2015 NCAA Division II Tournament in his first stint as head coach.
"It's funny, in some ways a lot of things are the same, but some things have changed, too, but it has been good.
"I'm excited about the team that we've got with the returners and the potential for the program. It's going to be fun to see how we do in year one with the team."
The season starts at 5 p.m. on Sept. 4 at Ohio Dominican University.
Here are five things to know about the Redhawks:
SENIORS WILL SET TONE
The Redhawks return 20 players from last year's squad that went 5-10-1 and advanced to the first round of the East Coast Conference Championship.
Eight of the returnees are seniors, including captains Kara Choate, Larissa Johnston and Cami Brescia and 2024 third-team All ECC selections Alyssa Hackett and Emma Taylor.
"We have a big senior class and a good amount of experience," McColl said. "Those players have been in a couple of National Christian College Athletic Association tournaments and an NCAA tournament, so they've kind of been there and done it.
"They also experienced a bit of a tougher season last year, so I think there's plenty of motivation there. They're just a good group. They get along well, they're really coachable and have been open to a new coach coming in with new ideas and stuff like that."
Hackett led the Redhawks with five goals last season and senior Ella White contributed three.
Fellow seniors Kaeleigh Romero and Alena Weibel have delivered big plays during Roberts' careers that have been impacted by significant injuries.
SOPHOMORES, JUNIORS BRING TALENT, EXPERIENCE
Roberts' experience is not limited to its senior class. The Redhawks return six juniors and six sophomores who have made solid contributions during their careers.
Junior midfielder Adria Ariola ranked second on the squad in minutes played last season while classmate Nevaeh Bunch was fourth.
Jenna Northup started eight games. Midfielder Kaidyn Thompson and forward Miah Lathrop also return along with junior goalkeeper Rebecca Hoffman.
Mia Tyndell made seven starts and posted two shutouts as a freshman in 2024 while defender Olivia Holet ranked fifth in minutes played.
Forward Mackenzie Hagen came on strong late in the season, scoring two goals. Ileana Cheruiyot, Anna Varland and Elizabeth Miller are all back for their second seasons as Redhawks.
NEWCOMERS BRING ENERGY
The Redhawks will also add six new players to the mix, including two former Rochester area standouts.
Midfielder Grace Kearney scored 82 goals during her career at Northstar Christian Academy, where she holds four school records, and Allison Frederickson finished her career at Charles G. Finney with 52 goals and 51 assists.
Samantha Catlin was a defensive standout at Lancaster High School near Buffalo. The Redhawks also welcome three players from Canada - Ayana Horan and twins Kyanna Alarcon and Kyerra Alarcon.
POLL POSITION
The Redhawks placed fifth in the East Coast Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll with 33 points.
Molloy received seven first-place votes and topped the poll with 58 points. Queens received the other first-place vote.
SCHEDULE FILLED WITH EARLY ROAD MATCHES
The Redhawks will hit the road early and often, playing five of their first six matches on the road.
Roberts will open the home portion of its schedule on Sept. 13 against Pace and will face the College of Staten Island on the road Sept. 20 to kick off the conference schedule.
The Redhawks will host D'Youville on Sept. 27 for Homecoming. The regular season concludes on Nov. 1 at Queens.
