5 Key Takeaways From The Gardner-Webb Women's Soccer 2025 Season: A Deep Dive Into The Runnin' Bulldogs' Resilience
The Gardner-Webb Women's Soccer team concluded its 2025 season with a resilient run, securing the No. 5 seed in the competitive Big South Conference Tournament. Despite an overall record of 4-11-3, the Runnin' Bulldogs proved they are a force to be reckoned with in conference play, finishing 3-3-2 in the Big South. The 2025 campaign, led by Head Coach Erik Solberg in his second season, was marked by moments of explosive offense, defensive fortitude, and the development of a core group of future leaders, setting a clear foundation for success in the upcoming 2026 season and beyond.
This article provides an in-depth analysis of the 2025 season, highlighting the key players, the coaching philosophy, and the crucial moments that defined the Gardner-Webb Women's Soccer program's trajectory. From clutch goals to impressive shutout streaks, the Runnin' Bulldogs displayed the grit and determination expected from a rising program in the NCAA Division I landscape.
The Architect: Head Coach Erik Solberg's Biography and Vision
The direction of the Gardner-Webb Women's Soccer program rests firmly in the hands of Head Coach Erik Solberg, who entered his second season at the helm in 2025.
- Full Name: Erik Solberg
- Current Role: Head Women's Soccer Coach, Gardner-Webb University
- Tenure at GWU: Began in 2024 (2025 was his second season)
- Hiring Authority: Named by Gardner-Webb President Dr. William M. Downs
- Total Head Coaching Experience: Eight seasons prior to the 2025 season.
- Previous Head Coaching Roles:
- University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB)
- Northwestern Oklahoma State University (2019), where he led the Rangers to a 7-10-1 record.
- Previous Assistant/Volunteer Roles:
- Assistant Coach at East Central University (2014-2016)
- Volunteer Assistant at Nicholls
- Coaching Philosophy: Solberg is known for bringing a wealth of experience and a focus on building a sustainable, competitive program within the Big South Conference. His background suggests a commitment to developing talent from various levels of collegiate soccer.
The 2025 Season in Review: Five Defining Moments and Metrics
The 2025 campaign was a statistical roller coaster for the Runnin' Bulldogs, ending with a 4-11-3 overall record and a respectable 3-3-2 mark in Big South play. The team’s overall goal differential (16 Goals For / 31 Goals Against) indicates a challenge in consistent scoring, but the conference results show the team's ability to rise to the occasion against Big South rivals.
1. The Offensive Explosion Against SC State
The team's most dominant performance came in a massive 10-2 rout against SC State (South Carolina State). This game was a showcase of the team's depth, as a remarkable nine different Runnin' Bulldogs players found the back of the net. This explosive victory demonstrated the team's potential to overwhelm opponents when the offense clicks, providing a massive confidence boost early in the season.
Key offensive players like Tribolet were instrumental in this game, scoring her second and third goals of the season. The ability to distribute scoring across the roster is a positive sign for the program’s long-term health.
2. The Clutch Factor: Slovak Delivers the First Big South Win
The importance of veteran leadership cannot be overstated, and graduate forward Slovak stepped up when it mattered most. Her late goal secured the team's first Big South win of the 2025 season at Greene-Harbison Stadium. These tight, conference victories are crucial for RPI and tournament seeding, highlighting the team's ability to grind out results under pressure. The team’s conference record of 3-3-2 was solid enough to earn the No. 5 seed, keeping them firmly in the Big South Tournament picture.
3. Defensive Fortitude: The Four-Game Shutout Streak
While the overall record was challenging, the Gardner-Webb defense showed periods of brilliance, notably a remarkable stretch where the team recorded four straight shutouts. This incredible run speaks volumes about the organization and effort put forth by the backline and the goalkeeping unit.
The goalkeeping tandem, including Jaimie Martin and Lydia Robinson, proved to be a reliable last line of defense during this period. Holding opponents scoreless for four consecutive matches is a testament to the tactical improvements implemented by Coach Solberg's staff and the commitment of the players like Savannah Dixon, Tavyn Baffa, and Valeria Ruffo.
4. Rising Stars and Key Returners for 2026
A successful program is built on year-to-year talent, and the 2025 roster featured several players who are poised to become the face of the Runnin' Bulldogs in 2026. The team’s depth, including players like Tanner Michael and Genesis Lara, will be critical as the program aims to climb the Big South standings.
The exhibition draw against Furman, secured by a late goal from Sweet, showcased the fighting spirit of the squad even in non-conference play. Developing this "clutch gene" in the younger players is a core focus for the coaching staff as they prepare for the next season.
5. The Big South Conference Landscape and Tournament Run
The Big South Conference remains a highly competitive league, with teams like Radford, USC Upstate, and Longwood consistently vying for the top spots. Gardner-Webb’s 2025 performance, which saw them finish 3-3-2, placed them ahead of conference rivals such as Charleston Southern, Winthrop, and UNC Asheville.
Securing the No. 5 seed was a significant achievement, demonstrating that the Runnin' Bulldogs are firmly established as a mid-table threat. While the 2025 season concluded in the tournament, the experience gained from facing tough conference opponents like High Point University and Presbyterian will be invaluable for the squad's development and future Big South tournament campaigns.
The Road Ahead: Recruiting and the 2026 Outlook
With the 2025 season officially closed, the focus immediately shifts to the future. Coach Solberg and his staff are actively working on the 2026 recruiting class, a vital process for injecting fresh talent and addressing any gaps left by graduating players.
The program is looking to build on the resilience and defensive structure established in 2025. The goal for 2026 will be to translate the defensive success into more consistent offensive output, pushing the team's Goals For total higher. Targeting players who can immediately contribute goals and assists will be a priority in the recruiting cycle.
The foundation is set at Gardner-Webb University. With an experienced coach in Erik Solberg, a core group of proven players, and a clear vision, the Runnin' Bulldogs Women's Soccer program is on a steady climb. Fans and alumni can look forward to a 2026 season where the team will undoubtedly challenge for a top spot in the Big South Conference and aim for a deeper run in the NCAA Tournament.
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