The Columbus State University women's soccer team enters the 2025 season with high expectations and national attention. Led by longtime head coach Jay Entlich, the Lady Cougars are coming off a dominant 2024 campaign that included a 22-1-2 record, a trip to the NCAA Final Four, and both the Peach Belt Conference regular-season and tournament championships. They open the new year ranked No. 2 in the United Soccer Coaches Preseason Poll and topped the Peach Belt preseason coaches' poll, solidifying their status as the team to beat once again.
Columbus State returns a solid core of experienced players who were instrumental in last season's success. When asked about key returners, head coach Jay Entlich highlighted the strength of his defense: "Right off the bat you got to look at our back line. Our goalkeeper coming back, Heidi Harris, had an incredible year last year... you've also got the back three in Anna Labarbera, Kelsey Croft, and Avery Williams, just three wonderful players."
Harris, the reigning Peach Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Year, anchors a veteran unit that allowed just 12 goals all season. Croft and Williams, both All-Americans, were key to CSU's defensive shape and ball movement. Coach Entlich also highlighted returning All-American Sarah Hungerford and All-PBC forward Abigail Akerson as major contributors in the Cougars' attack, giving the team a strong balance of defensive strength and offensive firepower heading into 2025.
Looking ahead, the Cougars face a challenging 17-game regular season filled with high-level competition. Nine matches will be played at home at the Walden Soccer Complex, giving CSU the chance to build momentum in front of its home crowd. The season officially kicks off on September 5 at 7:00 p.m. against Embry-Riddle, a program with a strong postseason history. Other non-conference opponents include Florida Tech, West Florida, Montevallo, North Georgia, and Catawba—programs with strong traditions and a history of challenging matchups. Peach Belt Conference play begins September 20 at Georgia Southwestern, as the Cougars begin their push for another conference crown and a return to the NCAA Tournament.
Students and fans are invited to support the Cougars by securing season tickets for the 2025 campaign. Season tickets are available now at csucougars.com/tickets. As a reminder, all students and children under the age of 18 get in free courtesy of Country's BBQ
