Kimberly Aguilar/ Vaquero Radio
Head coach Mark Foster and team captain Libby Beilfuss expressed their insights on the 2024-25 UTRGV Women’s Soccer Team, promising exciting new outcomes with many fresh faces joining the squad.
Asked about the main goals for the season, Foster outlined his ambitions.
“On the field, we want to get back to qualifying for tournaments and then start dreaming about winning the tournament,” Foster said. “The long-term goal here is to deliver that kind of success. I think that this program has the potential to do that. Goals off the field, you know, this is a really good group. Very strong in the classroom, so we think it’s realistic the team GPA should be above a 3.5.”
Asked about her personal goals for the season, Beilfuss, a senior defender, took a moment to provide a heartfelt perspective.
“This is my last season and probably my last time playing soccer, so I just want to enjoy every moment, every practice,” she said.
Beilfuss also spoke about team chemistry.
“I think it’s really encouraging,” she said. “Even from the first week, we really bonded. I think getting to know each other off the field has been really benefited our relationship on the field and how we talk to each other when we’re playing. I think it makes the process more enjoyable.”
Libby told her teammates to just enjoy the season because it passes by quickly.
Foster explained how team chemistry is important.
“I think we have really good players, but I think the team’s strength this year is going to be the depth of the squad,” he said. “I don’t think we’re going to be one of those teams that relies on one player.”
Alejandro Suriel Rodriguez, an integrated health science junior and a fan, voiced his hopes for the team.
“The team represent the university well in competitions, show dedication, respect and support,” Rodriguez said.
Rigoberto Belmonte, a criminal justice junior and also a fan of the team, said what he expects from the Vaqueros.
“I expect for the soccer team to dedicate time to their training so we can win,” Belmonte said. “I also expect them to have fun on their games, and especially make them interesting so all the audience can go watch them more frequently.”
On Aug. 10, the team lost an exhibition game against University of Houston Cougars, 2-0.
The Vaqueros fell to Texas Southern University, 1-0, Aug. 15.
UTRGV battled against Tarleton State in the WAC, tying the game 1-1, Aug. 20.
On Sunday, they were scheduled to play against Rice University. Results were unavailable.
The Vaqueros will play their second home game at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the UTRGV Soccer and Track & Field Complex on the Edinburg campus.
This is Kimberly Aguilar for Vaquero Radio.
