MURFREESBORO, N.C. - The Chowan University women's soccer team made their appearance on campus this week and after a brief check-in process, the Hawks will hit the pitch to test fitness and skill levels in preparation for the season to come. 

The Hawks are led by 8th year head coach, Fernando Zuniga. Zuniga has tallied 38 collegiate head coaching wins since he was named the skipper at the start of the 2018 season. This win total puts him at the highest coaching win total in NCAA D2 program history. Zuniga and his band of Hawks had amassed 31 Conference Carolinas wins as well. In 2020, the Hawks finished up 8-2-1 overall and 5-1-1 in league play to claim the 2020-2021 (Covid-19) regular season title. That season the Hawks played "pitch perfect" at home, finishing with a 6-0 home field record. Chowan outscored opponents 26-8 that season with Sabrina Henderson finding the back of the net a team-leading six times and goalkeeper Allison Traub maintaining a 0.71 goals against average. 

Zuniga has coached three-time All-American, Carolina Lucci,  and First-Team All-Conference Carolinas selections Allison Traub, Sydney Henderson, and Sabrina Henderson. 

In preparation for the upcoming season, both current student-athletes and staff have been busy. 

"This summer has definitely been a busy one not just for the staff but for the players as well," stated Zuniga. "We had multiple players compete across the country with summer teams. Those players included Abigail Simon, Destiny Makanjuola, Laura Hulme, Mya Turner, Adrianna Lightfoot, Addisen Palmer, Leeya Harrison, and Zuhailee Rivera. It was great watching them continue to develop and compete at a high level."

Zuniga added Rich Dearle to his staff, who will serve as the goalkeeper's coach this season. Dearle brings a wealth of knowledge to the field, both from a players perspective and a coaching perspective. The native Englander is well-versed in the goalkeeper arena and will work hands on with the goalkeepers on the roster this fall. Dearle Prior to his collegiate playings days Rich signed a professional contract with Nottingham Forest. Rich had a fantastic college career playing at Embry-Riddle (NCAA DII) in Florida and University of Rio Grande (NAIA) in Ohio. Rich moved over to Australia to play professionally for Eltham Redbacks in Victoria. He also played for Lionsbridge FC for three seasons. 

Rachel Stetson will continue with her role as a student coach after spending last year assisting the coaching staff with training, fitness, community engagement, and other aspects of team management. 

"As for the staff we primarily focused on fulfilling our recruiting needs to fill the gaps left behind by our amazing seniors that graduated. We were able to put together a diverse and exciting class to join our current group," said Zuniga. "We also welcomed Richard Dearle who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the program. He worked alongside myself this summer with Lionsbridge FC. Our student assistant Rachel Stetson had the opportunity to intern with Florida Youth Soccer Association, one of the largest associations in the country. Finally we dedicated many long hours to ensuring both our game & practice fields as well as facilities were ready for the start of the season."

The Returners 

Zuniga is pleased with the roster he has returning to lead the 2025 campaign. "We have a solid group of returners for this upcoming season that are expecting to continue to make an impact," said Zuniga. 

"Laura Hulme returns with her ability to break down defensive lines and create goal scoring opportunities for her teammates," said Zuniga. Hulme posted a solid sophomore performance in 2024. The Huddersfield, England native accounted for 5 scores and 4 assists a year ago and is poised to have another solid season.

The Hawks return 15 players from last year's roster, led by All-Conference Carolinas defender, Destiny Makanjoula. The defender is a force to be reckoned with on any game day on the Hawks' back line and is well-known in the league for her leadership and grit. Makanjoula has developed over her time with the Hawks into a critical leadership role that will aid the Hawks in every touchpoint within the program.

 "Destiny Makanjuola returns to lead our back line and be a nuisance to attacking players across the league. In our opinion one of the best centerbacks in the league," said Zuniga of the senior defender. 

Abigail Simon returns to lock down a midfield position as the Hawks top returning goal scorer. The transfer senior started in 15 games a year ago, scoring 6 goals and notching 5 assists in the 2024 campaign. She scored 2 goals and had 2 assists in a win over Virginia State a year ago as a season-high. 

"Abigail Simon will look to continue to add to her career goal total. She is a box to box midfielder that works relentlessly on both sides of the ball," said Zuniga of his senior middie.  

"Addisen Palmer had a productive summer and we look forward to having her make an impact in her sophomore year now that she has a year of collegiate and summer experience under her belt," stated Zuniga on the midfielder from Forest, Virginia. 

Another senior that is poised for a standout senior season is Lily Harrison. She scored a goal and had 2 assists a year ago in 16 matches played.  "Lily Harrison looks to finish out her career with Hawks bringing an amazing work rate going forward and a powerful strike that challenges even the best goalkeepers," said Zuniga. 

Jayda Dubeck returns to the pitch for her junior season as another offensive threat for the Hawks. Dubeck has a full season of training and competing that will help her springboard into the 2025 campaign. Karla Artolozaga and Takiyah Raynor return as forwards with attacking potential. Raynor scored a goal and had an assist in her debut season for the Hawks in 2024. Leeya Harrison and Zuhailee Rivera return to the backline in their sophomore seasons. Each player saw time on the field in 2024 that will translate well for the Lakeland, Florida natives in 2025. 

The goalkeeper position is up for grabs with three returners leading the way. Two seniors, Gracie Ross and Maya James, have three years of experience respectively that will bode well for the Hawks this season. Sophomores Paige Cooper and Kylee Smith will also join the pool of returning goalkeeper talent. 

The Newcomers

Thirteen newcomers highlight this year's star recruiting class for the Hawks women's soccer team. Zuniga is excited about all 13 players and how they will fit into the culture that he and his staff have created over the past seven seasons. He mentioned a few by name and expects immediate impact. 

"Amy Cotton is an exciting winger from Sheffield, England with an excellent delivery. Adrianna Lighfoot is a clinical striker from Williamsburg, VA that will bolster our attacking options. Maya Schofield is a solid graduate defender hailing from Milnthorpe, England that will help solidify and bring experience to our backline," said Zuniga of some of his incoming class. 

Adding to the depth at the keeper spot is freshman, Madilyn Strickland. Strickland comes to Chowan after growing up in the shadows of the campus. Her mother played softball at Chowan and her grandfather served as a coach for the athletic department and head of grounds. The 6'0'' keeper has the height and athleticism to compete in the spot this year. 

Estrella Lopez will play a key role as student manager. She comes to Chowan from Greenville, North Carolina and is one of 8 student-athletes representing the state of North Carolina on the women's soccer program. 

Kadence Rose, Aubrye Scott, and Grace Wilson come into preseason camp as defenders. The Hawks graduated several key defenders a year ago but Zuniga and his staff worked hard to secure talented defensive players for the 2025 season. Dakota Tivnan, Larkin Best, Sarah Cook, and Nakyiah Hollis enter their first year and will bring added depth and plenty of club and high school experience to the pitch this season for the Hawks. Riley Donnelly comes in as a transfer from Mars Hill University and comes into preseason as a forward. Donnelly hails from Jacksonville, North Carolina and will compete in the forward position this season. 

The Schedule

This year's playing schedule features seven home matches and eight road tests. Chowan will open up on the road at USC-Beaufort, a member of the Peach Belt Conference. They will open the 2025 home season campaign at home on September 7th with Catawba College coming to town for a 1:00pm match up. 

The Hawks will open Conference Carolinas play on the road at Francis Marion on September 13th and then turn around to host Barton College on September 17th at 4:30pm. 

Zuniga wants to grow the women's soccer game in the community and encourages all fans in the local community to aid by simply coming to a game this year. "Come out and support. Be loud and energetic. Help grow all female sports here at Chowan by attending games. Attendance is one of the most important ways to grow female sports across the board in all divisions," said Zuniga. 

Another big game on the docket this season is the senior match against Ferrum College on September 27th. "Our game against Ferrum this year will be our senior day. It's a great way to send off our seniors who have given their all to our program and institution. Our seniors deserve to play in front of a large home crowd. Let's pack the stands for them," concluded Zuniga. 

For a complete list of home games, be sure to check out the Hawks online @ gocuhawks.com. Follow the Hawks on social media to get all the latest updates on CU Athletics.