The 2005 women’s soccer season at Whitworth turned from one of promise to one of frustration, exemplified by key injuries and close loses. But there is plenty of reason to believe that the promise hoped for last fall can be regained in 2006.

"As soon as we hit the field last spring, we were already looking forward to this coming season," said Whitworth head coach Sean Bushey. "The 2005 season proved to be a great teacher for us and we learned a lot, which we hope to demonstrate this year."

If Whitworth is to use 2005 (8-8-3 overall, 7-7-2 NWC) as a learning tool, the team will rely on veteran leadership to do so.

"We have a group that has experience under its belt, which will help us as we compete in the difficult Northwest Conference," said Bushey.

With the return of several key players, the Pirates expect to be much improved offensively.

"We expect to be good at moving the ball and creating chances and will be a fun team to watch," said Bushey.

Whitney Ramsey (So., Spokane, Wash. - North Central) had three goals and three assists in her rookie season. Greta Thibodeau (Jr., Juneau, Alaska - Juneau-Douglas) and Penelope Crowe (So., Bellingham, Wash. - Bellingham) combined for two goals and five assists last fall. That trio will comprise the primary Pirate offensive attack. Tori Crain (So., Spokane, Wash. - Ferris) gained valuable experience off of the bench last season.

Whitworth welcomes the return of Jael Hagerott (RS Jr., Spokane, Wash. - Mead) to the midfield. A former NWC Offensive MVP as a freshman, Hagerott went down with a knee injury in last year’s first match and was lost for the rest of the season. She has 20 career goals and 19 assists.

"Jael is such a good soccer player, both in technique and quality of thought, there are few out there that are better," said Bushey. "She brings out the best in other players and the gals are happy to have her back."

Also returning to start in the midfield is Meghan Johnson (Sr., Richland, Wash. - Richland), who had four goals and one assist last fall. Kara Tisthammer (Jr., Spokane, Wash. - Ferris) played in all 19 matches last fall and finished with two goals and an assist. Nicole Starkey (Sr., Spokane, Wash. - Mead), Erin Nakasone (Jr., Mililani, Hawaii - Mililani) and Mahyo Seyedali (So., Kirkland, Wash. - Lake Washington) all have experience in the program.

Newcomers Lindsey Oakes (Fr., Boise, Idaho - Boise), Jennifer Hughes (Fr., Salem, Ore. - Sprague), Miranda Cosand (Maple Valley, Wash. - Tahoma) and Shea Nakasone (Fr., Mililani, Hawaii - Mililani) will all try to make an immediate impact in the midfield this season.

Defensively, Whitworth is glad to have back Sarah Brogden-Thome (RS Jr., Spokane, Wash. - Lewis & Clark), who was lost for the season to injury in the fifth match last fall. Katy Jones (Sr., Spokane, Wash. - Mt. Spokane) gives the Bucs two key senior leaders in the backfield.

Kimberly Mitchell (So., Los Altos, Calif. - The King’s Acad.) started every game as a freshman on defense in 2005. Kelly Baker (So., Boise, Idaho - Boise) saw nearly as much time as Mitchell, playing in 18 matches.

Lorin Townsend (Jr., Moses Lake, Wash. - Moses Lake Christian) has experience in the program, while newcomers Danielle Fuller (So., Spokane, Wash. - Ferris), Stephanie Wipf (Fr., Gilbert, Ariz. - Highland) and Jessica Corpron (Fr., Kalispell, Mont. - Flathead) will all try to push for playing time.

With last spring’s graduation of Jenn Miller, the goalkeeper position is open for the first time in four years. Krista Dietz (So. Enumclaw, Wash. - Enumclaw) and Leah Motz (Jr., Kent, Wash. - Kentlake) will battle for the starting position in 2006. Each saw minor playing time last fall.

Whitworth will open the season September 2nd and 3rd in Southern California with matches against Pomona-Pitzer and UC Santa Cruz. The Pirates will take on NCAA Division II Northwest Nazarene in another non-conference contest.

The Northwest Conference will be as challenging as ever, but the Pirates are third in the preseason coaches poll. UPS was picked to win and Willamette was second. But the depth of talent in the league makes teams throughout the conference difficult to defeat.