By Maria Akaras
Sports Editor
Last season was a historic one for Washington College’s women’s soccer team. The Shorewomen had their first ever win against Johns Hopkins University, set a school record for most wins in a season, and made it to the Centennial Conference playoffs for the first time in program history.
The player’s accomplishments continued off the field, winning the 2025 Team Academic Award from the United Soccer Coaches with a team GPA of 3.70.
WC’s men’s soccer team also had a successful 2025 season, achieving their fifth Centennial Conference playoff appearance in a row and the longest playoff appearance streak in program history.
In 2023, the team managed to reach the NCAA Final Four, an impressive accomplishment. The 2025 season ended with the Shoremen in 3rd place. This season, they hope to continue their streak and return to advanced playoff competition.
This year, the Shorewomen intend to continue on this trajectory and surpass their previous performance.
“Our goals are simple; to maximize our potential as individuals and as a unit so we can compete against the best teams in the conference and beyond,” Head Women’s Soccer Coach Thomas Reilly said. “We believe if we do that, it will be reflected in the win/loss column. To have fun while doing all of that is the ultimate goal.”
Although the Shorewomen graduated strong, talented players last year, the group of returning players is just as skilled.
“Every year, we have had players who have given their all to represent Washington College well on the field, in the classroom, and in the community. …We are proud to be associated with all of the young women who wore the Washington jersey,” Reilly said.
According to Reilly, the Shorewomen have great team chemistry and relationships with coaches, which will help them achieve their goal of having a fun and positive season.
In 2026, the team hopes to maintain their momentum further into the season and advance past the first game of the playoffs. The women’s soccer’s coaching team intends to improve their player management in order to maintain stamina throughout the season.
The Shoremen were plagued by injuries throughout the season, which contributed to them not entering the Centennial Conference playoffs as strongly as they would have hoped.
“We have had some devastating injuries over the past two seasons, and we are starting this year with more of those issues…It’s a sad reality that injuries are part of the game and so we must adapt and prepare accordingly,” Head Men’s Soccer Coach Roy Dunshee said.
Despite that, the Shoremen’s maintained optimism and belief in themselves is what pushed them through.
“I would say that this is the closest and most hardworking team I have ever been a part of. Every single day, everyone shows up and pushes each other,” captain Tyler Davidson said. “Winning is a byproduct of a good process, and we have always had a great process, so in that we trust.”
This season, the Shoremen will rely on their new captains to guide them.
“We have excellent leadership in place with Tshazi Kamau and Tucker Sprano … They each bring strength, kindness, and ambition to their jobs as leaders,” Dunshee said.
“I give all the credit to my teammates who fought throughout the game and the whole season, through the ups and the downs,” junior forward Jordan Waiganjo said at the end of last season.
The women’s first game is at home on Sept. 1 at 4 p.m. against Salisbury University. The men’s first game is also home on Sept. 1 against Salisbury University at 7 p.m.
Photo Caption: Shorewomen huddle up mid-game.
Photo courtesy of WC Athletics