Women's Soccer start to season breathes new era of effort and togetherness
After a scoreless and winless season last year, just two games into the season and the Crimson Wave women's soccer team have held an opponent scoreless for the first time since 2021 and scored its first goal in a game since 2022.
Whiting, IN – The Calumet College of St. Joseph Women's Soccer program came into the 2025 season with a new coaching staff and one of its largest-ever recruiting class.
In attempt to shift the culture, women's head soccer coach Ante Cop has implemented new play styles, coupled with recruiting players locally and out of the country.
The hard work has shined behind the results as the women's soccer team has held one opponent scoreless so far this season and earned its first tie in a game, which hasn't happened since September 22, 2021.
"We have been working on our back four, playing a 4-1-4-1 formation and the key to that is to have four players in the back that keep everything tight, along with a goalkeeper communicating and organizing everyone," Cop said.
Cop added that he loves the Croatian style of soccer, which embodies strength in the midfield, along with critical thinking and relentless spirit.
"Me being Croatian I love playing the Croatian style of soccer, so the biggest thing is possession," Cop said. "Our midfield must be as strong as possible to limit touches for the other team and that in turn helps our defense. … Understanding where were supposed to move and where the ball will move is so important and that will continue to build as we become more connected."
Despite having players on the team from different countries such as Spain, Ecuador and Canada, the women have grown strong bounds in just 3-4 weeks' time.
The group has had various bounding experiences from making bracelets at the soccer house, to going to school events together and going to downtown Chicago to sightsee.
Sophomore midfielder Yesenia Cruz said the daily 6:00 a.m. practices have been great for the team's stamina, togetherness and personal discipline, and the leadership at the forefront has certainly changed the mentality of the group.
"I really like the whole set up with coach and how he manages the team overall," Cruz said. "Last year we didn't really have that motivation on the field, but this year every time I'm out there I'm always hearing coach yell encouraging words and I think that boosts us up and makes us feel better individually."
CCSJ's next home game will be the start of its Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference play as they take on Indiana University Northwest on Saturday, September 20 at 10:00 a.m. at East Chicago Central High School.