Following one of their best seasons in recent memory, the DePaul’s women’s soccer team is back on the field for spring ball. The 2024 season marked the first time the team made the Big East tournament since 2019, and they advanced to the semi-finals for the first time since 2016. They also picked up their first ranked win in five years thanks to a 1-0 home win versus No. 18 Georgetown in October.

Much of the program’s recent success can be attributed to head coach Michele O’Brien, who joined the coaching staff as an assistant in 2009 and was promoted to the top spot ahead of the 2021 season. Since taking over, O’Brien has found success by shaping the roster to her liking. DePaul Athletics rewarded her efforts and success by signing her to a contract extension that will keep her at DePaul through January 2028.

“I think that (the extension) really is the sign of being validated and valued,” O’Brien said. “When administrators believe in the process and see the vision that I have communicated to them, I think that just speaks highly of the program and the team.”

Veteran players have also given her a vote of confidence. Three key players, redshirt junior Briley Hill and seniors Grace Menser and Jen Devona, recently elected to return for the upcoming 2025 fall season and said O’Brien’s return was a chief factor.

“This fall was my first year here, and it was the most fun I’ve ever had playing soccer. I wasn’t ready to be done,” Hill, a forward who transferred from Nebraska ahead of the 2024 season, said.

Menser, a midfielder who transferred to DePaul as a sophomore from Xavier, said she also feels at home in the program. She cited a “tight-knit family” culture and “coaches coming back” as the main reasons she’ll return in the fall.

O’Brien expressed similar admiration for her returning players.

“They’re such good leaders, and they have a ton of respect for the culture and the program,” she said. “We have a really good relationship, and I trust them.”

Menser, a starting midfielder and team captain last year, said leadership on and off the field fuels strong communication in both the offensive and defensive aspects of the game. 

“The leadership on the team is really great,” the rising fifth-year senior said. “As far as communication on the field, we always need someone talking and being that louder voice, and that’s something I don’t mind doing.” 

As a forward, Hill sees her role as someone who leads by example by going “balls to the wall.”

“On the field, I’m kind of crazy. … I think tactically it’s our job (as forwards) to get the press going and just get everyone going crazy,” Hill said. She noted the team’s ability to score against Northwestern in their first spring match was a strong sign that her energy helps the team’s offense.

As is the challenge with any collegiate program, O’Brien and staff are tasked with preparing their more experienced players for game day while ensuring that younger players are being developed to eventually take over. 

The exhibition spring schedule poses a great opportunity for younger players to get more on-field experience than they would during the fall. These in-game reps are crucial, as players can work on the finer parts of their game without the pressure of a regular season contest.

Freshman goalkeeper Maddie Iro, one of the team’s newest additions, is one rising star who is gaining such experience this spring. After transferring to DePaul from High Point in February, Iro immediately has the chance to step into goal in spring ball to test her impact on the team’s backline.

“I was really happy with how we played, and I think we’ve got a really good team heading into the fall season,” said Iro, a native of New Zealand who has played on her home country’s U17 and U20 national teams.

Iro will be competing for the team’s starting keeper spot this fall. She said she has no worries that her newcomer status will prevent her from being a vocal leader on the field, an essential responsibility for a goalie as they help set up the defensive front. 

“I’ve always been the youngest. Back in New Zealand, I was the youngest, and (being vocal) is something I’ve always been working on, …” Iro said. “As I’ve gotten older and more experienced, I’ve gotten more assertive. A dominant voice and controlling the defense are my strengths now.”

O’Brien shared that her goals for the team this fall are to “win the Big East,” “advance in the tournament” and generally “be better than we were last year.”

Last fall, O’Brien had her team just games away from a conference title. 

Menser looks forward to the opportunity to avenge that post-season loss.

“Our team goal is to win the Big East,” she said. “We’re doing everything in our power to work up that ladder. … The standard is definitely higher, and we know that.”

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