Mitchell reinvigorates women’s soccer program in first year as head coach

By Anibal Quesada

Triangle contributing writer

The 2024 season was a memorable one for the Wingate University women’s soccer team, marked by impressive achievements, big wins and strong individual performances. 

Finishing the regular season with a record of 12-3-3, the Bulldogs claimed the South Atlantic Conference title with a 9-1-1 record. Their balanced roster, cohesive team energy and overall talent paved the way for success, as Wingate earned its third consecutive bid to the NCAA Tournament, where the ’Dogs lost in the first round to North Georgia.

Wingate’s campaign was defined by offensive firepower and defensive discipline. The Bulldogs showed exceptional depth, with contributions from players across the roster. Katie Mitchell, who earned SAC Coach-of-the-Year honors in her first season as head coach, credited the team’s chemistry as a key factor.

“So many different players scored for us this season,” said Mitchell, who came to Wingate as an assistant in 2023 and was promoted to head coach in March when her predecessor, Jack Vundum, left to be an assistant with the Carolina Ascent women’s professional team of the USL Super League in Charlotte. 

The team’s balanced attack was highlighted by first-team All-SAC senior midfielder Manu Baptista Filipe, who tallied eight goals and two assists, and freshman forward Audur Helga Halldorsdottir (seven goals, six assists). Sophomore midfielder Katie Ensalaco added four goals and five assists, further showcasing the depth and versatility of Wingate’s offense.

Defensively, the Bulldogs were anchored by SAC Defensive Player of the Year Laura Holt and first-team all-conference honoree Sascha Larsen. Second-team All-SAC goalkeeper Haley Faucette and the entire backline consistently frustrated opposing offenses, making Wingate a tough team to score against.

After the dominant regular season, the Bulldogs entered the SAC Tournament as favorites. Their journey, however, was cut short in the semifinals after a dramatic 5-4 loss to Lincoln Memorial. Despite controlling much of the game, Wingate was unable to convert enough chances to secure victory.

Following the loss to LMU, Wingate earned a spot in the NCAA Tournament for the ninth time in program history.

The season was filled with individual accolades that reflected the Bulldogs’ collective success. Wingate boasted eight All-SAC honorees, the most in the conference, and half of those players were non-seniors: Holt, Ensalaco, Halldorsdottir and Katie Durham, a freshman midfielder who made the third team.

Mitchell made an immediate impact in her first year in charge of the team. Her emphasis on team chemistry, balanced rotations and strategic adjustments reinvigorated the program.

“This season has been a testament to the hard work and dedication of our players,” Mitchell said. “We’ve built a strong foundation, and I’m excited about what the future holds for Wingate women’s soccer.”