Six starters on the ºüÀêÊÓƵ University women’s soccer team who have a fifth year of eligibility available will return in 2024, SLU has confirmed.
The six players helped the Billikens to the program’s first Sweet 16 appearance and put them on the brink of the national quarterfinals before the season ended with an overtime loss at Penn State on Nov. 19.
Returning will be goalkeeper Emily Puricelli; defenders Lyndsey Heckel, Sophia Stram and Katie Houck; forward Caroline Kelly and midfielder Hannah Larson.
“They are champions, leaders and difference makers,†coach Katie Shields said in a statement. “Each one has played a significant role in building Saint Louis women’s soccer into a nationally elite program. The return of this group for a fifth season is a testament to the culture of our program and the loyalty of these remarkable women.â€
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Puricelli and the back-line players combined to drive SLU's best-in-the-nation 15 shutouts. Kelly and Larson were part of an offensive attack that was third in the country, averaging 3.08 goals per game.
Heckel was a first-team All-American in 2022 as selected by the United Soccer Coaches, and Puricelli was a third-teamer.
Since their arrival, SLU has an overall record of 67-15-4 and an Atlantic 10 mark of 34-3-1. The Billikens have made six straight NCAA Tournament appearances.
SLU was ranked most of the season in three national polls and is at No. 10 this week in Top Drawer Soccer's rankings.