The Yale Bulldogs women's soccer program represents Yale University in all NCAA Division I women's College soccer competitions. Founded in 1977, the Bulldogs compete in the Ivy League.
The Bulldogs are coached by Sarah Martinez, who was hired as the program's head coach on December 3, 2019.Sarah Martinez's bio Yale plays their home matches at Reese Stadium, on the campus of Yale University.
History Yale's first varsity season started in 1977, led by Roberto Taylor. Their first win came on October 5 with a 5–1 victory over Vassar. The first home goal was scored by Cynthia Hayden in a 2–2 overtime tie with Tufts on October 8.
In 1979, Elizabeth Traver set a school record with 18 goals while earning All-Ivy recognition. Traver ended her career with 39 goals and 99 points, both of which remain career records.
During the 1980 season, the Bulldogs achieved a 17–0 victory over Rhode Island College, setting an Ivy League record for the most goals in a game.
In the 1991 season, Laura Valade became Yale's first Ivy League Player of the Year.
In 1992, Yale earned its first Ivy League Championship, tying Brown with a 6–1 record. The Bulldogs finished 13–5 under captain Amy Predmore, and Jen Teti was named Ivy League Player of the Year.
The 2002 squad finished 12-5-2 and earned its first NCAA Tournament appearance. They won their first game on penalty kicks against Villanova before falling to Nebraska 1-0 in the second round.
The 2004 squad finished 13–5 and made their second NCAA Tournament appearance but lost in the first round to Villanova, 2-1.
In 2005, Yale reclaimed the Ivy League title with a 5-1-1 record and advanced to the NCAA Tournament. They won their first-round game 3–0 against Central Connecticut and upset No. 3 Duke 2-1 in the second round, with Crysi Howser scoring a goal with one second remaining. In the Sweet 16, they fell to the defending national champions, Notre Dame, 5-2.
Rudy Meredith College Admissions Bribery Scandal Former coach Rudy Meredith was indicted as part of the 2019 college admissions bribery scandal, for allegedly accepting bribes totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars to facilitate the admission of students to Yale as soccer players recruited to the Yale women's soccer team, despite their never having played competitive soccer. He pled guilty. Because he is cooperating with prosecutors, he may avoid the maximum penalties of 20 years in prison and $250,000 fines each of the charges carry, but he will have to forfeit the $850,000 in bribes he took in the scheme.
Rivalries
Harvard and Yale have met 47 times and Yale has a record of 9-36-2. Yale's last win was in 2017.
Players
Current roster 2024 women's soccer roster on Yalebulldogs.com
Coaches
Coaching history Yale University has had seven coaches in their program's existence.
#YearsCoachWLT 1 1977 Roberto Taylor 5 5 221978–1980Chico Chacurian1716731981–1984Margaret Dunlop2034241985–1994Felice Duffey6089351995–2018Rudy Meredith2241573562019Brendan Faherty114172020–PresentSarah Martinez23329
Honors
Conference championships TitleNo. Season Organizer Class Coach 1992 Ivy League Regular season Felice Duffy 2005 Ivy League Regular season Rudy Meredith
All Americans
Year Player Team Jen Teti 2nd Team Jen Teti 2nd Team Christina Huang 2nd Team Aerial Chavarin 2nd Team
Ivy League Player of the Year Year Player Laura Valade Jen Teti Jen Teti Becky Brown
Ivy League Awards Year Player Award Lorelei Wall Rookie of the Year Crysti Howser Rookie of the Year Kristen Forster Rookie of the Year Melissa Gavin Rookie of the Year Elise Wilcox Defensive Player of the Year Aerial Chavarin Rookie of the Year Michelle Alozie Offensive Player of the Year Aerial Chavarin Defensive Player of the Year
Seasons NCAA Tournament history Yale has appeared in three NCAA Tournaments. Their most recent appearance came in 2005. Year Record Region Round Opponent Results 2002 1 First round Villanova 0-0 (Yale wins PK) Second round Nebraska 0–1 2004 1 First round Villanova 0–1 2005 1 First round Central Connecticut 3-0 Second round Duke 2-1 Quarterfinals Notre Dame 2–5
Professional Players Years Player Position Ciara McCormack DF Eleni Benson DF Meredith Speck MF Carlin Hudson DF2015–2018 Michelle Alozie FW Aerial Chavarin MF Reina Bonta DF Giovanna Dionicio DF
References
External links