Xavier Soccer Rebuilds After Coach, Star Departures; Iowa Ties Add Local Angle
When the Xavier Musketeers take the pitch this weekend, they will do so without the coach who led them to a Big East title and the star forward who powered their offense. For Iowa soccer fans, the changes carry a familiar name: former Xavier head coach Dean Ward now leads the Hawkeyes.
Ward's departure to Iowa is one of several offseason losses for Xavier, which also saw standout forward Samantha Erbach transfer to Florida State. The Musketeers enter the match with a rebuilt roster under new head coach Katy Etelman, a longtime assistant promoted from within.
What happened to Xavier's championship core?
Xavier went 16-4-2 last season, winning the Big East regular season title before falling to Colorado in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. But the offseason brought significant turnover.
Erbach led the team with 18 goals and 16 assists, numbers that rank among the best in the nation for a sophomore. Her top partner, Elin Hansson, graduated after contributing 16 goals and 5 assists. Emme Flick also finished her career with 7 goals and 8 assists.
Head coach Dean Ward accepted the head coaching position at Iowa, leaving a void in leadership. New head coach Katy Etelman had served as an assistant since 2021 and was promoted to associate head coach in 2024, giving her familiarity with the roster.
Who steps up for the Musketeers?
Several returning players are poised to fill the offensive gaps. Regan Dancer posted 6 goals and 10 assists in 2025, while Peyton Kohls added 6 goals and 8 assists. Presley Pennekamp contributed 4 goals and 3 assists.
Freshman Kieran Bradley has already scored twice this season, and sophomore Brooklyn O'Brien has matched that total. The early returns suggest the attack remains dangerous despite the losses.
On defense, Xavier lost Natalie Bain, the team's most-used defender, but returns Elizabeth Powell (1,103 minutes), Brooklyn Miltenberger (964 minutes), and Nastassja Garrett (960 minutes). McKinley Berry, who started all 21 matches in 2024 before missing last season with injury, also returns.
Transfer additions include Fiona Skwierawski from Kansas and Abby Unkraut from Georgia, adding depth to the back line.
How has Xavier performed so far this season?
The Musketeers opened with a 2-0 loss at Michigan State on August 12, then beat Miami (OH) 3-0 at home on August 16. A scheduled match against Michigan was canceled due to weather. Their most recent contest was a 3-2 home win over Indiana on August 26.
Those results show a team that can compete with major conference opponents, even while integrating new pieces. Michigan State is ranked No. 4 by United Soccer Coaches and No. 7 by TopDrawerSoccer.
What does this mean for Iowa soccer fans?
For Iowa supporters, the Xavier matchup offers a direct connection to the Hawkeyes' new coaching staff. Ward's move to Iowa signals a new direction for the program, and his former team's performance this season provides a benchmark for what he built in Cincinnati.
The game also highlights the competitive nature of nonconference scheduling, as Xavier faces a Vanderbilt squad ranked No. 3 nationally. The Commodores have been dominant early, outscoring opponents with a 56.1% shots-on-goal rate.
Game details and how to watch
Kickoff is set for 6:30 PM CT. Tickets are $10, and the first 300 fans receive a Vanderbilt soccer t-shirt. Fans can also take photos with the SEC championship trophy.
The match streams on SEC Network+, available through the ESPN app with a TV provider login.
For Iowa fans tracking Ward's successor, this game offers an early look at how Xavier adapts to life after its championship core.