Despite a strong record of 11-3-1, the season is complete for Monroe University women’s soccer. Post-season action is not possible for this year and possibly next as the Mustangs transition from the National Junior College Athletic Association to NCAA Division II. Although Monroe is a four-year institution, its athletics teams have competed against two-year schools. Student-athletes in all Monroe sports are now able to stay at Monroe and compete for four years.
“We’re playing all four-year institutions now in the NCAA Division II; the conference that we play in is the CACC (Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference),” said coach Jonathan Avila. “We played all the CACC teams.”
Although playoffs were not possible, the soccer team was highly motivated and played well, while adapting to a more packed schedule. Avila noted that there are now more opponents in close proximity.
“Now, we have to build a team for the long-term; we’re not juco (junior college) anymore where there are only one or two years and they move on,” Avila noted. “We had to find players that are able to commit to the four years. The games were very enjoyable. We were playing two games in a week, which is different for the team. We coped with it and did a great job.”
All the student-athletes must now pursue bachelor’s degrees. As per NCAA regulations, Avila must be vigilant in making sure student-athletes meet eligibility requirements. That includes checking academic transcripts and ensuring that student-athletes have taken the required classes.
“Our level at Monroe on the women’s soccer side has always been very high,” said Avila, who was part of the coaching team for the Monroe women’s soccer team that won the 2018 NJCAA national championship. “Our objective is always to be at the top. We held the standard. Games were a little more challenging. Girls were up to the higher level. It’s good for the coaching staff and the team to grow.”
Monroe has always had a number of international student-athletes. Competing in NCAA Division II opens opportunities for local and domestic soccer talent who want to join a four-year program. “Now that we’re Division II, it brings in more interest in joining us — playing with us for four years and getting a degree,” Avila said. “It’s definitely opening doors.”
