Women’s Soccer Looking Promising for Fall 2025
Saints take on a new year a cleats, defeats, and beats across the Northeast
The St. Lawrence University women’s soccer team has hired an entirely new coaching staff this season. Dima Kaliakin is taking on the role of Head Coach, along with Simone Neivel, the new Graduate Assistant Coach. With all the new ideas, philosophies and practice schedules, excitement is rising as the Saints look to cause ruckus in the Liberty League for the fall 2025 season.
Last year, the Saints finished 8-7-2 overall, a record that many players have expressed they are ‘ready to beat’ this upcoming season.
On Aug. 29, 2025, the Saints played their first match in Potsdam, N.Y., against the SUNY Potsdam Bears, finishing the match 0-0. Goalkeeper Zoe Davenport ‘27 earned her first career shutout, as the Saints finished the match with 15 shot attempts total.
Shortly after the tied match, the Saints were back in action on Aug. 31 against the University of Hartford, a previous Division 1 university until July 2025. Despite losing 0-1 to the Hawks, the Saints put up 13 shots, with Davenport making two saves. Forward Meredith Donahue ‘26 took five shots throughout the entire match, as Sofia Manne ‘27 and Kaitlyn Barton ‘26 each fired two. Lily Stone, Kylie Burnett and Madison King-Thurber had one, respectively.
“I think the season is looking much better despite the results this weekend,” said a junior on the squad. “We are playing a much better style of soccer at a much quicker pace with the new staff. They are having us play a higher press and bolder style of soccer.” This balance of fresh, new staff has also fostered a team of unity, according to the Saints, who have expressed how exceptional the dynamic between the players has been.
“Our team has always been very close, and the culture has been very good, so that hasn’t changed, but the way we are playing together has,” said the junior. “In the best way.” The Saints will play Nazareth College on the Sandy Mcallister Field on Sept. 6.