Women’s Soccer Ready To Hit the Pitch Again

SAN JOSE, Calif. – For the first time since November 5, 2019, San Jose State women's soccer will finally take to the pitch for a live action match. As with all of SJSU's athletic programs, it was a long, at times frustrating and difficult journey to get to this point, as COVID-19 forced the women to postpone their entire 2020 season as the nation entered a lockdown.
 
But as the months slowly moved along, a light began to shine through the end of the tunnel. A decision was made to play an abbreviated conference-only schedule, the Spartans were allowed to return to campus and in-person training and practices soon commenced. And finally, after 486 days without a match, women's soccer is back!
 
"We are so thankful to be able play the sport we love, and train, and be together as a team again," head coach Lauren Hanson said. "I can't tell you how appreciative our staff and players are to have this opportunity, and we thank the school, athletic department and staff for all of their hard work to be able to make this happen."
 
It goes without saying that things weren't always easy for the Spartans to get here. Fortunately for Coach Hanson, she has a remarkable group of coaches and student-athletes that have continually risen above and beyond to help lead the way down the difficult path.
 
"Obviously there have been several challenges presented throughout this pandemic," Hanson said. "No one was prepared for the extreme changes and emotional waves we have been through. With that though we have tried to continue to view it as an opportunity to grow, for every individual player to work on their needs, and to come together as a team.  There is a huge credit to our leadership group for their hard work and dedication to helping our team come together and come in prepared for this opportunity to have a season. I am thankful and proud of our entire team and staff for their willingness to adapt and come together in an incredibly challenging time."
 
And now, after countless zoom calls, individual workouts, practices and a top-notch signing class joining the ranks, it's time to see all of that hard work pay off. The Spartans will kick-off their 10-game schedule tomorrow, March 6, against rival Fresno State at the Spartan Soccer Complex. Coach Hanson and company look forward to the opportunity to play again and to show the fans what they've got.
 
"We look forward to showing our playing style and creating more chances on goal this season," Hanson said.  
 
Kickoff between the Spartans and Bulldogs is slated for 4:00 p.m. PT. Due to restrictions set in place by Santa Clara County, fans will not be allowed to attend in-person. The match will be streamed live on the Mountain West Network.