CLEVELAND, Ga. (August 25, 2025) - The No. 21 Truett McConnell University women's soccer team is set to begin their 2025 season on Tuesday, where they will travel to face No. 22 Georgia Gwinnett College. Entering the season as the reigning three-time Appalachian Athletic Conference Regular Season and Tournament Champions, the Lady Bears were voted the No. 1 seed in the AAC Coaches' Preseason Poll, earning 180 points. 
 
TMU dominated the 2024 season, capturing both the Regular Season and Tournament Champion titles for the third consecutive year. The Lady Bears posted a conference record of 12-0-1 and secured their seventh straight trip to the NAIA National Championships, where they fell in a hard-fought 2-3 battle to Missouri Valley College in the opening round. They closed out an outstanding season with an overall record of 16-2-3.
 
The Lady Bears return senior Marisol Esparza, a 2024 AAC All-Conference First Team honoree, along with junior Erin Ward, who earned AAC All-Conference Second Team recognition. Seniors Esparza, Bailee Blair, Julia Ruiz, and Annabel Trauschke headline the veteran core, while 22 newcomers join the program for the upcoming season.
 
Tuesday's match is set for a 7:00 p.m. kickoff, followed by the Lady Bears' home opener on Wednesday, September 3, at 7:00 p.m. against Southeastern University. TMU will open conference play on Saturday, September 6, at 2:00 p.m., hosting Montreat College inside the TMU Soccer/Lacrosse Complex.