Members of the Union-North Tama 2023-24 girls soccer team pictured recently. A total of 32 girls are out for the team this season including 10 returning starters. PHOTO COURTESY OF UNION BOOSTER CLUB

LA PORTE CITY – The combined Union-North Tama varsity girls soccer program is kicking off the 2023-24 season on a strong note with more than 30 student-athletes going out for the team.

In total, two dozen Knights and eight Redhawks will lace up their cleats this season including 10 starters from last year.

Returning starters include Union seniors Molly Clark, Molly Grote, Charlie Keegan, Dacey Powell, and Dena Robb; juniors Josie Bergmeier (Union), Avery Knoop (Union), and Ava Monat (North Tama); and Union sophomores Addie Pospisil and Neeley Henning.

Last season, Knoop led the team in goals scored with nine, while Grote led in assists also with nine. Keeper Powell led the state in saves last season with 313.

In an interview with the Union Booster Club, head coach John Simon said the team has been putting in a lot of work in the offseason.

“After last year’s season ended, we had a lot of girls take part in the Summer League Soccer during June and July where they were able to play in five more games. The girls also took part in both sessions of the Winter Indoor Soccer League where they played a total of 12 games spanning three months from December, January, and February. Both Summer and Winter Leagues are put on by the Cedar Valley Soccer Association, which has been a great resource and advocate of moving the needle and providing opportunities for soccer teams in the Cedar Valley.

“When you include the open gym workouts twice a week since January and strength training three times a week since February, the team is firing on all cylinders and ready for the season to start! “

Simon is joined this season by returning assistant coach Grant Kelly and newcomer Kristi Wagner who will be assisting in a voluntary capacity.

The Knights ended the 2022-23 season with a 4-11 record which included wins over Cedar Valley Christian, Benton Community, Mount Vernon, and Decorah.

The team kicks off the new season on Tuesday, March 26 at home against Cedar Valley Christian beginning at 5 p.m.