The 1994 Wesleyan women’s soccer team, with a .735 winning percentage, was the most successful in program history. Led by Head Coach Jeff Vagell and captains Michelle Duff ’95, Liz Fernandez ’95, and Rachel Hunt ’95, the team was full of spirit, had a tenacious attitude, and was characterized by a strong culture of collaboration. Their cohesion on and off the field enabled them to post a 12-4-1 season and become the only Cardinal women’s soccer team ever to claim the ECAC New England Division III Championship. Tremendous support from fellow students and fans enhanced their celebration and feeling of accomplishment.
The 1994 season built on a foundation that Coach Vagell laid in previous years through quarter- mile sprints, pre-season triple sessions, a competitive run up Power Ridge Mountain, calisthenics and drills backed by lively music, and grand pep talks. Wesleyan went 5-0-1 down the stretch leading to the ECAC tournament, where the Cardinals dispatched Eastern Connecticut 4-0 in the first round. In the semifinals the Wes women found that their midnight penalty kick practice sessions paid off as they edged out Conn College 4-3 in a shootout. Duff, Fernandez, Hunt, and Flo Stueck ’96 each converted penalty shots while goalkeeper Stacey Parris ’98 was able to deflect a Conn attempt. In the final against Bates, Stueck converted a penalty kick in the 70th minute for the 1-0 game winner.
Stueck led the team with 15 goals and five assists for a total of 35 points, which remains a team record. Fernandez led the team in assists. Melanie Schoen ’97, Jodie Langs ’98, and Fernandez were the next-highest scorers for Wesleyan. Parris had a 0.77 goals-against average, a 91.3 save percentage, and six shutouts. Alison Brody ’97, Amy Costa ’96, and Hunt were selected for the 1994 Academic All-NESCAC team, and both Fernandez and Stueck earned First Team All-New England honors.
Each member of the ’94 team contributed to the positive energy and success of the group:
