Columbia, MO- The 2022 soccer season was a season of records at Stephens. For the first time in program history, the Stars finished 5
th in the AMC Conference standings earning another trip to the AMC postseason tournament. After defeating William Woods for the first time ever, in the quarterfinal, the Stars fell in the semifinal to Columbia College. The quarterfinal win and playing in the semifinal were both program firsts.
With six positive AMC Conference results (4 wins and 2 ties), the Stars recorded more points in AMC play, with 14 points, than any previous Stars team. The team recorded six shutouts in AMC play; another Stars record. "2022 was a breakthrough AMC season for us. We had success with every team in the conference except Columbia College, Harris Stowe, and Missouri Baptist. In fact, we were undefeated against all the rest of the teams in the conference. This is significant and even more impressive is we scored ten goals with none against" said Stars Coach
Bruce Palmbaum.
Kailee Wisber led the Stars in scoring with 8 goals and 2 assists. She was named to the All-AMC Conference first team, the All-AMC Conference Tournament team, and the All-AMC academic team. "I think it is safe to say that Kailee is a triple threat" smiled Palmbaum. Several players contributed and won AMC awards for the first time.
Lois Landreth was named to the All-AMC Conference first team and the All-AMC Conference tournament team.
Melissa Martinez,
Anya Castelli, and
Olivia Wheeler were recognized as All-AMC Conference honorable mention.
Olivia Wheeler,
Cailey Foss,
Melissa Martinez,
Devin Dowell,
Elani McClarie,
Sydney Castelli, and
Cordelia Dallam, along with Wisber, were all named to the All-AMC Academic team.
Devin Dowell was recognized to the AMC Champions of Character Team. "Except for losses to the top three teams, we played very well in the AMC this year. These awards are rewards for a job well done" said Coach Palmbaum
The non-conference portion of the season didn't go as well for the Stars. The team didn't win a non-conference game. "I knew we were good team during the non-conference season, but also that we were playing some of the best teams in the NAIA" notes Palmbaum. The Stars played six teams in the non-conference season that have reached the 2022 NAIA national tournament. "I've spoken recently with several former Stars. These are people who started the program, suffered for years, played the game because they loved it, and had fun. They are so proud to see their early program efforts translate to the 2022 team's AMC Conference success" comments Palmbaum.
The Stars lose six special players to graduation this year. In the seven years prior to their arrival, the Stars won four AMC Conference games. The Stars have recorded 14 AMC Conference wins in the last 4 seasons. "This group of seniors established a winning culture and helped change history at Stephens. They changed the expectations for the soccer team now and in the future. They recorded many firsts and leave the program in a better place than when they arrived" said Palmbaum.
