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5 Reasons Why App State Women's Soccer Is The Sun Belt's Next Powerhouse (2025 Update)

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Appalachian State Women's Soccer is on an undeniable upward trajectory, transforming from a competitive Sun Belt program into a potential powerhouse. As of the current date in December 2025, the team is building significant momentum, fueled by a record-shattering offense and a cohesive coaching staff that has elevated the program's profile and recruiting prowess.

The Mountaineers finished the challenging 2024 season with a respectable 7-7-5 overall record, including a solid 4-3-3 mark in the highly competitive Sun Belt Conference. This performance, coupled with the return of key veterans and the historic achievements of its star player, has set the stage for a landmark 2025 campaign that fans in Boone, N.C., are eagerly anticipating.

The Record-Breaking Star: Izzi Wood's Career Profile

The narrative of the Appalachian State Women's Soccer program over the past few years is inextricably linked to the phenomenal career of forward Izzi Wood. Her impact has been historic, rewriting the program’s scoring record books and setting a new standard for individual excellence.

  • Full Name: Izzi Wood
  • Position: Forward
  • Class: Graduate Student (Returning for a 6th Season in 2025)
  • Hometown: Hickory, North Carolina
  • High School: Hickory High School
  • Career Goals Record: All-time program leader with 31 career goals, surpassing the previous record held by Casey Cleary (2005-08).
  • Single-Season Record: Matched the single-season program record with a career-high 11 goals in the 2024 season.
  • Postseason Honors: First player in program history to be named to three postseason all-conference teams (All-Sun Belt).
  • All-Region Honors: Earned a third straight All-Region honor.

1. Izzi Wood: The All-Time Scoring Queen Returns for 2025

The biggest story heading into the 2025 season is the return of Izzi Wood, who chose to utilize her sixth year of eligibility. Wood is not just a statistical anomaly; she is the engine of the Mountaineer offense, having cemented her legacy by breaking the all-time App State career goals record, finishing the 2024 season with 31 career tallies. Her 11 goals in 2024 matched the single-season program record, highlighting her elite finishing ability. For the first time in App State history, the team will begin a season with the program's all-time leading scorer leading the line, providing an invaluable combination of experience, leadership, and guaranteed offensive production.

2. The Aimee Haywood Era: A Foundation of Consistency and Growth

The stability of the coaching staff under Head Coach Aimee Haywood has been crucial to the program's recent success. Haywood was tabbed as the fifth head coach in Appalachian State women's soccer program history and has quickly instilled a culture of continuous improvement. The 2024 season saw the offense continue its upward trend, scoring 27 goals, which translates to 1.42 goals per game. This offensive increase over the past two seasons is a direct reflection of the coaching staff's strategic planning and player development.

The Mountaineers' coaching staff is rounded out by key personnel who bring diverse experience to the pitch:

  • Head Coach: Aimee Haywood
  • Associate Head Coach: Mark Catterall
  • Assistant Coach: Mikayla Krzeczowski

3. A Strong 2024 Season as a Springboard for Sun Belt Success

The 2024 season, which culminated in a 7-7-5 overall record and a 4-3-3 conference record, demonstrated the team’s ability to compete in the demanding Sun Belt Conference. The .500 winning percentage is a testament to the team's resilience against tough competition. The team’s performance included challenging matchups and key victories that built confidence. The 2024 schedule included a highly anticipated road game against the #13 Auburn Tigers, which tests the squad’s mettle early in the season.

Key players on the 2024 roster who contributed to this foundation and are expected to be influential in the 2025 campaign include:

  • Anna Claire Jacobi (Goalkeeper)
  • Sarah Wommack (Goalkeeper, a ULS Academy Cup Golden Glove winner)
  • Ellie Garrison (Midfielder)
  • Sydney Snowden
  • Lauren Smith (Defender)

4. The Challenging and Exciting 2025 Schedule

The Appalachian State Mountaineers have announced a challenging and fan-friendly 2025 schedule, which is crucial for RPI and national recognition. The schedule is highlighted by numerous home matches at the Ted Mackorell Soccer Complex in Boone, N.C. Playing at home provides a critical advantage, especially during the demanding conference play.

The 2025 schedule is designed to prepare the team for a deep run in the Sun Belt Conference tournament, which is often held in Foley, Ala. Key opponents include:

  • Non-Conference Powerhouses: NC State University and #13 Auburn.
  • In-State Rivals: East Tennessee State University (ETSU), Radford, and Davidson.
  • Sun Belt Conference Matchups: James Madison, Old Dominion, and Coastal Carolina.

This mix of nationally ranked and regional opponents is essential for developing the tactical flexibility and mental toughness required to win the Sun Belt title. The focus on Sun Belt play is particularly intense, as the conference has become known for its parity and high level of competition.

5. A Culture of Rising Expectations and Program Milestones

The overall atmosphere surrounding App State Women's Soccer is one of rising expectations. The program is actively recruiting top talent, with commitments from players like Kylee Thompson and Morgan Stallings (NC Fusion), signaling a strong future pipeline. The recent success of Izzi Wood, who is the first Mountaineer to earn three postseason all-conference honors, provides a clear pathway for aspiring student-athletes to achieve individual greatness while contributing to team success. The team’s ability to consistently increase its scoring output demonstrates a fundamental shift in offensive philosophy and execution, positioning the Appalachian State University Mountaineers for a major breakthrough in the 2025 season and beyond, solidifying their status as a rising force in NCAA women’s college soccer.

app state women's soccer
app state women's soccer

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