The GVSU Soccer Dynasty: 5 Reasons Grand Valley State Women's Program Is An NCAA Division II Powerhouse In 2025
Grand Valley State University (GVSU) soccer continues its reign as one of the most dominant athletic programs in the country, with the women's team consistently setting the standard for excellence in NCAA Division II. As of late December 2025, the Lakers are not only celebrating a successful 2024 campaign that saw them earn a top seed in the NCAA Tournament but are also ushering in a new era of leadership, poised for an unprecedented run at an eighth national title.
The program's unwavering success, particularly on the women's side, is built on a foundation of elite coaching, a winning culture, and a relentless commitment to championship performance, making the Lakers a perennial favorite in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) and on the national stage. The recent coaching transition and the team’s consistent placement atop the GLIAC preseason polls underscore their status as a true Division II soccer powerhouse.
The New Era: Katelyn Longino and the 2024/2025 Program Outlook
The biggest news surrounding the Grand Valley State women's soccer program is the appointment of a new leader. In a significant move, Katelyn Longino was named the sixth head women’s soccer coach in the program’s illustrious history.
Longino steps into the role following the departure of former head coach Katie Hultin, who accepted a position at the University of Illinois. Longino brings a wealth of experience, having spent seven seasons as the associate head coach at the University of Iowa. Her background, which includes working under a former GVSU women's soccer head coach, positions her perfectly to maintain and elevate the Lakers' championship pedigree.
Katelyn Longino: Biography and Coaching Profile
- New Position: Head Women's Soccer Coach, Grand Valley State University (GVSU)
- Previous Role: Associate Head Coach, University of Iowa Women’s Soccer (7 seasons)
- Predecessor at GVSU: Katie Hultin (who moved to the University of Illinois)
- Program Context: Takes over the most successful NCAA Division II women's soccer program.
- Mission: To continue the Lakers' pursuit of an eighth NCAA National Championship.
The transition has been seamless, as the Lakers were voted the favorite in the 2025 GLIAC women's soccer preseason poll, a testament to the program's deep talent pool and the immediate confidence in Longino's leadership.
GVSU Women's Soccer: The Unmatched Championship Legacy
The Grand Valley State women's soccer team is not just a successful program; it is the most decorated program in NCAA Division II history. This legacy of dominance is what truly defines GVSU soccer.
The Lakers hold an unmatched record with seven NCAA Division II National Championships, solidifying their status as the top program in the country. Their pursuit of an eighth title is a constant narrative for the team and the fan base.
The 2024 Season: NCAA Tournament and GLIAC Dominance
The 2024 season was yet another demonstration of the Lakers' strength. The team successfully defended their Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) championship, marking their second consecutive conference title.
This success culminated in the team earning the coveted one seed in the NCAA Tournament Midwest Region. Playing at their home field, Lubbers Stadium, the Lakers began their NCAA Tournament run with the goal of adding another trophy to their already packed case. Key victories, such as a 2-1 rally win over the No. 17-ranked University of Central Missouri Jennies Soccer team, highlighted their ability to perform under pressure.
Key Players and The Future of the GVSU Roster
A championship program requires championship-caliber players, and the GVSU roster is consistently filled with top-tier talent. The 2024 roster featured a mix of returning veterans and impactful newcomers who drove the team's success.
The team's success is a collective effort, but the roster for the 2024 season included significant contributors who were crucial to their GLIAC and NCAA Tournament run. The defensive line and goalkeeping unit, led by players like Cailynn Junk, provided a solid foundation, while the offense saw production from players such as Ryann Fetty, who showcased her scoring ability in crucial matches. Other notable names on the roster included Addison Engle, Isabel Imes, Alex Williams, Taylor Reid, Kennedy Bearden, and Ella Kleiver.
With a successful recruiting pipeline and the immediate impact of new coaching ideas from Katelyn Longino, the 2025 season schedule is already set, with the Lakers expected to once again be the team to beat in the GLIAC and a major contender in the NCAA Division II tournament.
The Status of Grand Valley State Men's Soccer
While the women's program dominates the NCAA Division II landscape, the Grand Valley State men's soccer program operates as a highly competitive Club Sport. This distinction means the men’s team is self-funded and competes against other club teams rather than in the NCAA varsity structure. Despite its club status, the team provides a competitive environment for student-athletes who excel and wish to continue playing at a high level.
The focus on the women's varsity program's national dominance, however, remains the defining characteristic of "Grand Valley State Soccer." The program's consistent success, the new energy brought by Coach Longino, and the drive for an eighth national title make the Lakers a must-watch team for the upcoming 2025 season.
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