5 Reasons Chaminade Women's Soccer Is A Must-Watch In The 2025 PacWest Season
The Chaminade University Women's Soccer program is stepping into the 2025 season with significant momentum, building on a successful campaign that saw the Silverswords establish themselves as a formidable contender in the highly competitive Pacific West Conference (PacWest). As of December 23, 2025, anticipation is high for the Honolulu-based squad, which has demonstrated a strong blend of academic excellence and on-field tenacity under the guidance of its veteran coaching staff.
The 2025 season promises to be a pivotal year for the Silverswords, who are keen to improve upon their strong 2024 finish and challenge for a top spot in the PacWest standings. With a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, the team is set to showcase the unique style of soccer that has become its trademark, characterized by a relentless defense and efficient scoring.
The Silverswords' 2025 Season Outlook and Program Biography
The Chaminade University Women's Soccer team, known as the Silverswords, competes in the NCAA Division II as a member of the PacWest Conference. The program has steadily grown in prominence, often defying preseason expectations with its consistent performance.
Program Profile:
- University: Chaminade University of Honolulu
- Mascot: Silverswords
- Location: Honolulu, Hawaiʻi
- Conference: Pacific West Conference (PacWest)
- NCAA Division: Division II
- Home Field: Saint Louis School Field
Coaching Staff:
- Head Coach: Michelle Richardson (Entering her 13th season in 2025)
- Assistant Coach: Conor Whittaker
- Assistant Coach: Shelley Izuno
Recent Season Performance (2024):
- Overall Record: 6-5-5 (.531 PCT)
- PacWest Conference Record: 5-3-3 (.591 PCT)
- Key Strength: A formidable home record of 5-1-1
- PacWest Preseason Poll: Picked to finish 6th in the 2025 PacWest Preseason Poll
The 2024 Season: A Foundation for 2025 Success
The 2024 campaign for the Chaminade Silverswords was officially labeled a successful season, even though the team did not quite match the historic win total of the year prior. Finishing with a winning percentage above .500 overall and in conference play is a strong indicator of a program on the rise. The team's final overall record stood at 6-5-5, with a solid 5-3-3 mark in the highly competitive PacWest Conference.
A major highlight was the team's commanding presence at home, where they posted an impressive 5-1-1 record. This home-field advantage in Honolulu is a crucial factor that opponents must contend with. The team demonstrated resilience, with a notable number of matches ending in a draw, including their 2025 PacWest opener.
Key Player Contributions and Academic Excellence
The 2024 season saw balanced contributions across the roster. The team's leading scorer finished the year with four goals and one assist, totaling nine points. Players like Kenna Kiefer and Bryana Yoshida were consistently involved in the offensive output, making key plays and assists throughout the season.
Beyond the pitch, the program continues to emphasize the "student" in student-athlete. This commitment was highlighted by the significant achievement of having six players named to the CSC Academic All-Region team in 2025. This recognition underscores the team's culture of excellence, a core entity of the program's identity.
5 Reasons the Silverswords are Poised for a PacWest Breakthrough
With the 2025 schedule announced—a slate of 14 matches, including 10 conference games—the Silverswords are set for a challenging but rewarding season. Here are the five key reasons why Chaminade Women's Soccer is a must-watch team this year:
1. Veteran Leadership Under Coach Michelle Richardson
Head Coach Michelle Richardson is the bedrock of the program, entering her 13th season at the helm in 2025. Her longevity provides crucial stability and a deep understanding of the PacWest landscape. Richardson's strategy has successfully fostered a program that consistently overperforms, often utilizing a roster rich with talented local players from Hawaiʻi. Her experience is invaluable as the team navigates its 2025 schedule.
2. The Return of Academic All-Star Lela Gi
The 2025 roster features the return of key players, including senior forward Lela Gi. Gi is a proven talent who has earned Academic All-Pacific West Conference honors, showcasing the team's dual-focus on sports and academics. As a senior, her leadership and offensive output will be critical to the Silverswords' success in breaking down tough PacWest defenses.
3. Strong Roster Depth and Goalkeeper Talent
The 2025 roster boasts a solid mix of experience and youth. Key returners like Bryana Yoshida, Jordhan Kieres, Gracie Knowd, and Kaelyn Jaentsch provide a core of proven DII soccer talent. Furthermore, the team's goalkeeping unit is anchored by junior Maddie Merrick and freshman Esmeralda Capalad-Machuca. This depth ensures the team can withstand the rigors of a full PacWest schedule, which features tough opponents like Concordia University Irvine and Westmont.
4. Proven Home-Field Dominance
The Silverswords' 5-1-1 home record in 2024 is not a fluke; it's a strategic advantage. Playing in Honolulu, the team leverages the travel demands on mainland opponents and the passionate local support. Maintaining this dominance in their home matches will be essential for accumulating conference points and climbing the PacWest table, especially with key home fixtures scheduled for the 2025 season.
5. The Drive for a Postseason Berth
Despite being picked 6th in the preseason poll, the 2024 season review noted that the team continues to show the rest of the PacWest that they are on the rise. Their consistent performance and ability to secure draws against tough opponents, such as the one against Hawaiʻi Hilo, highlight their potential to secure one of the coveted postseason tournament berths. The 2025 season is the year the team will be pushing to make a definitive statement and secure a spot in the PacWest Championship tournament.
Chaminade Silverswords: Entities and Topical Authority
The Chaminade Women's Soccer program is a vital part of the university's athletics. The team's success is tied to several key entities that define its identity and influence in the DII soccer landscape. The Pacific West Conference (PacWest) is the primary battleground, featuring strong regional rivals like the Hawaiʻi Hilo Vulcans and Point Loma Nazarene University. The team's nickname, the Silverswords, is a nod to the unique, rare Hawaiian plant, symbolizing resilience and strength in a challenging environment.
The commitment to academic achievement, demonstrated by the numerous CSC Academic All-Region honorees, provides a powerful narrative that extends beyond wins and losses. This focus on the "student-athlete" model, championed by Head Coach Michelle Richardson, ensures the program's long-term health and reputation. As the team progresses through the 2025 schedule, every match—especially those against conference foes—will be a chance to demonstrate their growth and push for a higher ranking than their preseason prediction.
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