Leighton Geraghty – Contributor

Gaiters Women’s soccer is back. After a hard training camp incorporating beep tests, max pull-ups and bench press tests, two-a-days and more the team has been selected and ready for the season. As things have unfolded in the starting weeks of competition the team has posted a 0-2-1 record. In hunt for their first victory of the season we have been fortunate enough to talk to two of the Gaiters players, Marijke Meidertsma (#27 and team captain) as well as star midfielder Teagan Handley (#7 and Canadian League 1 national Champion). 

Photo courtesy of Heather Mckeen-Edwards

As the 2024-25 season concluded the Gaiters had a shift in coaching staff. Fawn Mulholland was named head coach of the Gaiters team over the course of the summer. While speaking with Junior Midfielder Teagan Handley about the acquisition of coach Fawn she said, “Coach Fawn has brought a sense of excitement. As with any new coach, players feel the need to prove themselves all over again, which brings out a new level of compete and focus. As a team we can agree that excitement and maybe some uncomfortability is making our football better.” 

The team has adjusted well-giving competitive results throughout the first three games of the season. On a personal level, Teagan gained an accomplishment many athletes strive to achieve. This summer she became both the Ontario League 1 and Canadian League 1 Champion. Becoming a National Champ is one of the biggest achievements a university athlete can have. Teagan spoke about the achievement and mentioned that, “It was insane and it’s hard to put it into words. It wasn’t just lifting a trophy that was exciting – the whole summer was about good times and growth, winning a national title was just a great way to cap it off and reward the team’s efforts.” 

Handley is a key asset to the Gaiters team as she posts 90 minutes of play every game that she is in. Her play on the field and skillset is second to none in USPORTS. When asked about what she can bring from her personal success over the summer to her season with Bishop’s she said, “I’m hoping to bring the same quality of effort, finesse and drive into this school season. The past summer taught me that when a team culture is strong and fun to be a part of, you’ll experience success. When every individual involved – coaches, players and fans – buy into the same mentality, winning can happen. I want to help build that same chemistry and mindset here.” Starting a new season with a new coach is very difficult for athletes. However, it becomes very easy when the team buys into the culture and everyone is on the same page.  

Marijke is a phenom for the Gaiters backline as she uses her leadership and voice to help propel the offence. This year is going to be a very different year. However, for Meidertsma as she is joining the Women’s Basketball team. She expressed her excitement of having this challenge of balancing two teams at once but noted that she is making soccer her number 1 priority as the basketball season has yet to start. This past Sunday, Sept. 7, the Gaiters hosted cross town rivals the Sherbrooke Vert et Or. Marijke tallied a full 90 minutes of play in the 5-3 loss. The team led 3-2 through the first 45 minutes but were unable to come away on top. 

When asked about how the team can learn and adjust from the loss she said, “I think the biggest thing we take is that we can’t get comfortable. We came out in the first half flying, the ball was moving and we were winning going into the half. We knew they would press us in the second half and knew we had to be ready but I don’t think we fully were; we came out flat and got punished.”  This was a learning moment for the young squad who will definitely face adversity at other points of the season. The captain stated that, “As we battle through adversity and bounce back from losses or poor performances we can’t lose hope, and have to stick to our game plan. Every game starts 0-0 and anything can happen. If we can train hard in practice, push each other and ourselves, when we go out and play in games all we need to do is let what we’ve worked on flow out.” The senior defender is ready to get back to action as the Gaiters are in hunt for their first win of the season.