5 Key Takeaways On Austin Peay Soccer’s Massive 2024-2026 Shift: New Conference, New Recruits, And A Coach’s Extension
The Austin Peay State University (APSU) Women’s Soccer program is currently navigating one of the most pivotal periods in its history, marked by coaching stability, back-to-back postseason success, and a monumental shift in conference affiliation. As of late 2025, the Governors are building on the momentum of their 2024 season, which saw them return to the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) Championship for the second consecutive year, a testament to the program's upward trajectory under Head Coach Kim McGowan. The team's recent accomplishments and future planning signal a clear intent to establish themselves as a dominant force in collegiate soccer.
The foundation for this success is a blend of veteran leadership and promising new talent, with the entire program focused on sustained excellence both on the pitch and in the classroom. The Clarksville, Tennessee-based team finished the 2024 campaign with a solid 7-6-6 record, earning significant recognition from the United Soccer Coaches Association for their exemplary performance. This deep dive explores the biggest, freshest, and most critical developments shaping the future of Austin Peay Governors soccer.
The Kim McGowan Era: Coaching Stability and Contract Extension
The most significant factor ensuring the Governors' long-term stability is the commitment to Head Coach Kim McGowan. After guiding the team to back-to-back appearances in the Atlantic Sun Conference Women's Soccer Championship, McGowan was rewarded with a contract extension through the 2026 season.
- Head Coach: Kim McGowan (Contract extended through 2026)
- Assistant Coach: Gustavo Gutierrez
- Graduate Assistant Coach: Annabel Anderson
- Previous Coach: Naomi Kolarova (Resigned after four seasons)
- Conference Affiliation (Current): Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN)
- Future Conference Affiliation: United Athletic Conference (UAC) (Starting July 1, 2026)
- 2024 Season Record: 7-6-6 (Overall)
- Home Field: Morgan Brothers Soccer Field
- University Location: Clarksville, Tennessee
- Athletic Director: Gerald Harrison
McGowan's leadership has been instrumental in raising the program's competitive profile. Her success has not only been measured by tournament berths but also by the team’s overall recognition; the Governors were acknowledged by the United Soccer Coaches Association for their exemplary performance, highlighting the program’s commitment to high standards.
To further bolster the coaching staff, McGowan recently added Gustavo Gutierrez as an assistant coach and Annabel Anderson as a graduate assistant coach, ensuring a fresh, dynamic approach to player development and game planning.
The 2024 Season: A Foundation for Future Success
The 2024 campaign, which saw the Governors finish with a 7-6-6 record, was characterized by gritty performances and a knack for challenging top-tier opponents. The team's resilience was evident throughout the season, culminating in a solid finish that secured their spot in the ASUN Championship tournament.
A major highlight of the season was the team’s ability to compete against nationally recognized programs, including opening the season against the No. 17 Vanderbilt Commodores. The Governors also secured a notable 2-1 victory against Western Kentucky early in the season.
Key offensive and defensive statistics from the 2024 season paint a picture of a team that was aggressive on the attack:
- Total Shots: 214
- Shots on Goal (SOG): 98
- SOG Percentage: .458
- Shots Per Game: 11.9
While the overall team statistics show a competitive edge, the individual performances of several players were critical to the Governors’ success. The team's ability to create and convert scoring opportunities was often spearheaded by a few standout athletes.
Top Performers and Emerging Stars from the 2024 Roster
The 2024 roster featured a mix of experienced veterans and young players who stepped up in key moments. The team’s scoring was often a collaborative effort, with several players contributing goals and assists across the competitive ASUN schedule.
- Aniyah Mack: A key offensive threat who registered goals and was instrumental in the team's attack.
- Alec Baumgardt: Provided vital offensive support, recording assists in critical matches.
- Ellie Dreas: Another significant playmaker, Dreas was credited with assists, demonstrating her role in linking the midfield and attack.
- Alana Owens: A consistent presence on the field, Owens made 16 starts across 19 appearances during the season, logging over 1,100 minutes.
- Katie Bahn: Served as one of the team's goalkeepers, anchoring the defense.
- Lauryn Berry: Listed on the 2025 roster, Berry is a key returning goalkeeper for the Governors.
These players, alongside others like Kylie Wells, who recorded shots on goal, represent the core strength and depth that Coach McGowan is leveraging for the future.
The United Athletic Conference (UAC) Move: A Game-Changing Future
Looking ahead, the most transformative news for Austin Peay Athletics, including the women’s soccer program, is the impending conference realignment. Effective July 1, 2026, Austin Peay will officially depart the ASUN and join the newly formed United Athletic Conference (UAC) as an all-sports member.
This move is a monumental step for the Governors. The UAC, which is a merger of the ASUN and WAC football conferences, is expected to offer a fresh competitive landscape and new regional rivalries for all of Austin Peay’s athletic programs. For the soccer team, it means a new set of conference opponents, new travel logistics, and a renewed opportunity to make an immediate impact in a new league.
The UAC transition is a clear signal of the university’s ambition to elevate its athletic profile. By securing a coach with a long-term contract before this major move, the administration has ensured continuity and stability for the soccer program as it prepares for its new competitive home.
Building the Future: The 2025 Roster and 2026 Recruiting Class
Coach McGowan is actively preparing for the future, not only with her contract extension but also with strategic recruiting focused on both the 2025 season and the impending UAC move in 2026. The 2025 Women's Soccer Roster already features promising new talent, while the 2026 signing class is taking shape.
The Governors have already announced significant additions for the 2026 signing class, focusing on transfer players who can make an immediate impact:
- Kayla Barr: A transfer addition for the 2026 class.
- Caroline Palmer: Another key transfer addition, bringing experience to the squad.
- Allie Williams: Completes the trio of major transfer additions for the 2026 class.
These strategic recruiting efforts, which include transfers and new freshmen like Megan Waskiewicz, are designed to maintain the competitive edge that led to back-to-back ASUN Championship appearances.
The combination of a stable coaching staff, proven postseason success, and a clear vision for a new conference home in the UAC positions the Austin Peay State University women’s soccer team for a thrilling and potentially historic run in the coming years.
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