Setting high expectations is nothing new for Madison College women's soccer head coach Matt Schwartz, and as he heads into his second year leading the program, Schwartz feels more and more comfortable bluntly stating what he expects.

"The goal is always to get to the national tournament," said Schwartz, who took over the young program in April 2016. "That, we hope to accomplish this season. We are also looking to win the first North Central Community College Conference title in program history."

The first key to making that a reality is the return of first team all-conference and all-region goalkeeper, Brandie Gospodarek. The Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, native posted four shutouts and an .889 save percentage, second best in the nation, during her freshman season.

In all, the group of returning second year players stands at six, and winger Breanne Kreklow and midfielder Olivia Zaleski, will join Gospodarek as team captains. The trio combined for 13 goals a season ago, led by Kreklow's nine and Zaleski's three. And Schwartz says both will be vital in creating a successful attack.

"Breanne brings a lot of speed and is able to get in behind defenses to create goal scoring opportunities. Olivia passes accurately, finds open players, and reads the field well."

The WolfPack lost nearly 75% of its offseason from last fall, meaning many freshman will need to produce for what will be a very young roster. Striker Britt Schumann, center backs Annabelle Shere and Abby Meehan, winger Erin True, and center midfielders Esther Noriega and Peyton Trapino appear to be the group that will pick up the slack out of the deep Class of 2017. 

"The class we have coming in this year is very athletic and motivated," exulted Schwartz, who led the 'Pack to a program-best 9-8 record in his first year. "There is huge potential for our freshman to make an immediate impact on the field. We have some exciting talent that will be on display, as they are the type of players that make the game of soccer fun to watch."

Madison College took a big step forward in 2016, though their 9-8 record may not convey that story. Sitting behind College of DuPage, Rock Valley College, and Harper College in the North Central Community College Conference standings, the WolfPack took seven of their eight losses against those three programs and five of those matches were decided by a single goal. The Golden Eagles earned a #7 ranking in the Preseason NJCAA Division III Poll, while the Chaparrals were receiving votes. The 'Pack will open their 2017 season against RVC on Wednesday, August 30, a match that will also mark the 'Pack's first ever game in their new permanent home on campus. Prior to the game, the Madison College Athletics Department will hold a Symbolic Irwin A. and Robert D. Goodman Pitch-East Grand Opening ceremony.

Once the celebration is over, it's back to business for the Madison College women, and taking the necessary steps towards achieving those high "Schwartz-ian" goals.

"This team has loads of talent! A really great group that trains hard and understands the game. This season should be very competitive and successful if the team can find the right chemistry and keep the injury bug at bay. We have a very strong defense backed up by a second year goalkeeper. We will be difficult to break down due to our work rate and organization."

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