The Pearl River women's soccer program continues to grow under head coach Henrik Madsen and as the 2025 season gets closer, expectations remain as high as ever.
"The expectations and goals are the same as always," Madsen said. "It's to go to Nationals and compete for a National Championship. We've got a large group of freshmen this year, so we will have to see how they grow and improve. I think we've gotten better in a number of positions this season."
With a team of 19 freshman and just six sophomores, one might think the Wildcats are taking a step back. Madsen doesn't think that's the case.
"We had one of the best recruiting classes that we've ever had," he said. "It's definitely the deepest we've ever had. With their quality, I feel like we can compete from day one."
Over the years, the Wildcats have been known for their stout defense. In 2025, Madsen feels that PRCC will continue to be difficult to break down but also take a step forward in the attack.
"We brought in some really good attacking players, but at the same time we've got plenty of solid defenders," he said. "I think we will still be very good in the back, but we will score more goals and create chances going forward."
BETWEEN THE POSTS
The Wildcats will go the local route at the goalkeeper position this year. The group is led by hometown product Josey Davis (Poplarville). Davis was an All-District performer in all four seasons as a Hornet.
"Josey had a really good spring, and we felt like we were going to be in a good position to move forward with her," associate head coach Carl Blundell said. "She's great at distributing the ball and is a really good shot-stopper."
Gabi Barajas (Picayune) files in behind her at the position.
THE BACK OF THE FORMATION
Leadership returns to the back line in Walker Rodney (Sumrall) and Maddie Kostmayer (Biloxi; St. Patrick). Both athletes started double-digit games in their freshman season. Rodney at outside back and Kostmayer as a centerback.
"Walker will be a leader for sure. She's returning after a good freshman year so we expect good things," Madsen said. "For Maddie, she has to take the next step and become a leader. She needs to contribute on the field but also as a leader."
Maud van Duren (Volkel, Netherlands) will likely anchor the other center back position. She is a physical defender with significant strength and speed.
"Maud will take a full role defensively," Madsen said. "She's been a little banged up, but we expect big things from her."
A number of other players at battling for minutes along the back line, including Lauren Feuerstein (Bay St. Louis; Bay), Haley Rowland (Ocean Springs), Emily Reinike (Pass Christian; Our Lady Academy, Ximena Miranda (Purvis) and Emma Howell (Hurley; East Central).
"Lauren has had a really good preseason," Madsen said. "Haley and Emily can both play there as well. It's a position that we will have to see play out. Ximena will be a utility player."
IN THE MIDDLE
Moving up to the defensive midfielder position, Pearl River again has a position battle. Morgan Eleuterius (Long Beach), Cali Kirkbride (St. Martin), Ida Lilebaek (Vejle, Denmark) and Julie Svensson-Olesen (Aarhus, Denmark) could all factor in.
"Holding mid is going to be another competition," Madsen said. "They have to distribute well, be a tough tackler and excel in the air."
Following an incredible freshman season, Holly Jones (Liverpool, England) returns to lead the way as an attacking midfielder. Jones scored five goals and assisted on an incredible 13 last season.
"Holly has taken a big step forward with her work ethic and the way she's contributing to the team," Madsen said. "We have high expectations for her."
Other midfielders that will factor in are returner Emily Boles (Gulfport), Callie Jones (Laurel; West Jones), Maya Messenger (Ocean Springs) and Isabella Nielsen (Vejle, Denmark)
GOING FORWARD
The group of attackers will be as deep as it ever has been for Pearl River with numerous players having the ability to play at either wing position or as a striker. Among those players are Addy Grace Alexander (Poplarville), Shyla Allen (Biloxi; D'Iberville), Margaret Compretta (Waveland; Our Lady Academy), Alesha Gale (Rotherham, England), Julia Hoffman (Bay St. Louis; Our Lady Academy) and Shayla Nguyen (Long Beach).
"The idea is that every one of these attackers can feature at any of the positions up front," Madsen said. "They're all talented enough to do it. I think we will be more balanced with our scoring. There won't just be one player as the go-to."
CASHLESS BOX OFFICE
To help improve traffic flow and fan experience, PRCC athletics box offices are cashless. Only credit and debit cards will be accepted. Fans are encouraged to beat the lines by purchasing tickets in advance at PRCCAthletics.com/Tickets, or download the HomeTown Ticketing app to purchase and store tickets on a mobile device.
TICKETS
Tickets for the 2025 Pearl River soccer season are available now at PRCCAthletics.com/Tickets. Advance-purchase tickets are $8, while gameday tickets are $10. Season passes are on sale now for $63 plus fees.
HOW TO WATCH
The Wildcats will once again livestream all home games for free at PRCCMedia.com. Fans with Roku, Amazon Fire or Apple TV devices can also watch by downloading the "Pearl River CC" channel from their app store.
