BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — A year delayed, but a celebration was had for the 20th anniversary of WKU women's soccer on Saturday, Nov. 20 at the WKU vs. Florida Atlantic football game. The 2001 team was honored as the first women's soccer team on WKU's campus on the field in the first half.
The "Originals" were made up of 20 freshmen and two upperclassmen from 10 different states and finished that inaugural season 14-5. The squad included, Leslie Anderson, Erica Baker, Christi Banas, Marissa Barnett, Jeannine Bennett, Kathy Brannen, Crystal Chapon, Jenny Dalby, Andrea Doogs, Betsy Duncan, Kelly Frericks, Barbara Johnston, Jackie Krieger, Cera Long, Allison Nellis, Jocelyn Roach, Melissa Robinson, Kelly Tinius, Amy Uhlman, Lori Willard, Melissa Bailey and Jenny Klingenberg.
The celebration of 20 years of WKU Soccer was originally planned for the 2020 season, but with the season being pushed to the spring of 2021 and COVID-19 concerns, the official celebration didn't happen.
The program did recognize an All-20th Anniversary Team throughout the Spring of 2021 made up of 20 members spanning the two decades. The following members were recognized on the team: Kristin Cocchiarella, Allison Nellis, Iris Dunn, Crystal Chapon, Amanda Buechel, Mallory Outerbridge, Sarah Gorham, Andrea Doogs, Ali Stahlke, Kellie Walker, Alicia Dalby, Hannah Chua, Nicole Roseland, Morgan Thomas, Jenna Silverberg, Rachel Friedman, Lindsey Passaglia, Katie Walker, Olivia Fitzgerald and Libby Stout. More information about the All-Anniversary Team can be found here.
Head coach Jason Neidell has been the only coach in WKU Soccer's history and during his time on The Hill has won over 200 matches, claimed three conference titles, and has coached more than 170 student-athletes to success on and off the soccer field.
How to follow the Lady Toppers: For complete information on WKU Soccer, visit WKUSports.com or follow the program via social media @WKU_Soccer on Twitter and Instagram and @WKUSoccer on Facebook.
Western Kentucky University Athletics
- Champions Climb Here
- WKU Athletics
- Athletic Director
- Academic Services
- Annual Report
- Athletic Communications
- Athletic Hall of Fame
- Athletic Training
- Big Red
- CLIMB Program - NIL
- Compliance
- Facilities
- Financial Reports
- For Students
- Student Employment
- Forms/Requests
- Book Big Red
- Donation Requests
- Site Feedback
- For Fans
- Hilltopper Highlights
- Gameday Promotions
- Alumni Tailgates
- Big Red's Rascals
- Basketball Gameday
- Football Gameday
- Mobile Tickets
- Travel Center
- Tickets
- Give
