As they prepare for their upcoming 2025–26 season, the Saint Mary’s soccer team welcomes back returners and numerous newcomers under head coach Farkhod Kurbonov who is now entering his fourth season with the Belles.
Last year, the record wasn't where the team had hoped, but the Belles still accomplished a feat the program had long been searching for. The team finished the season going 7–9–1 overall, 2–5–1 in conference, 5–2–1 at home and 2–7 on the road. Despite this record, the Belles placed high enough in the conference to head to the MIAA tournament for the first time since 2008. There, Trine University outplayed the Belles, knocking them out of the tournament in the first round.
The team this year will be welcoming back a number of different players that were significant to the success a year ago. On defense, sophomore Isabella Kreydich returns to solidify the back line. Kreydich finished her freshman season having competed in all 17 games, scoring two goals, recording 16 shots and eight shots on goal. Kreydich’s classmate, sophomore defender Danielle Escobedo also returns to the field for the Belles. Escobedo also competed in all 17 of the games, tallying one goal, two assists, five shots and eight shots on goal. Escobedo also was named MIAA Defensive player of the week in mid-September 2024.
Junior midfielder Claire Keely comes back after a strong showing last season after competing in 16 of the 17 season games and starting in 12 of them. Keely finished her sophomore year with one assist, three shots and two shots on goal. In addition to this, Keely was named to the CSC Academic All-District team.
Senior defender Izzy Sherman also returns for her fourth season with the Belles. In this past season, Sherman played in all 17 games having a total of 13 shots and eight shots on goal. Senior midfielder Grace Reyda joins Sherman on the field this year. Reyda competed in 15 out of 17 games this past season finishing with one assist, 12 shots and four shots on goal.
With a strong base going into the new year, the Belles get ready to kick off their season on Aug. 29 with an away game against Franklin at 7 p.m. before returning home to face off against Governors State at 3 p.m. on Aug. 31 for their home opener.
