BOCA RATON, Fla. - The Lynn women's soccer program looks to continue improving under head coach John Markey, who is entering his third season with the Fighting Knights. The team went 6-8-1 in 2022 but finished the year on a 4-3-1 run, outscoring their opponents 22-10 over the stretch.

Heading into the 2023 season, Markey has been impressed with the chemistry and determination the team has exhibited. "This team has been working really hard. It's the first time we've had a core coming back and they took their spring seriously, both individually and as a team. The girls came to campus fit, and the leadership on this team made that a big piece of what we need to do and who we need to be," he said.

Markey is also relishing and wrangling with one of coaching's best problems to have: a deep and talented roster. "Picking starting lineups is probably going to be the hardest thing I've had to do since I've been here. If I had to pick a starting lineup tomorrow, there's about 20 athletes I could choose and none of them would be the wrong answer. Maybe more even."

Along with depth, the Fighting Knights head coach emphasized the leadership his student-athletes possess. "Grace Guidry, Saga Jontoft and Sophia Hontzas are some of our leaders. They hold it down in the back and midfield for us and make my job easier by holding themselves and their teammates accountable," Markey added. Guidry and Jontoff led the team in minutes last season.

The 2022 team boasted First Team All-SSC standout graduate student Anniina Sankoh, who led the conference with 12 goals. This year, Markey expects to have a formidable and more diverse attack to replace her production. "It's going to be more of a goal-by-committee approach. Brigitta Pullins is going to be one of our most dangerous players. She and K'La Barnes-Blackwood in tandem are going to be really good up top. I'm excited for those two to continue to grow together. We're a different team and I'm excited about it," Markey stated.

The final line of defense has also improved, according to the Lynn head coach. "Our group of goalkeepers are probably the best group we've had," Markey said. The Fighting Knights goalkeeping group includes last year's leader in minutes, Hannah Harbich-Kuster, Brooke Auth, a transfer from the University of Idaho, and Emma Brunelli from Genoa, Italy.

Despite the rigors of the Sunshine State Conference schedule, Markey believes in his team. "The most entertaining part of this conference is that there are so many phenomenal coaches and so many different styles. Players choose to play in this conference over Division I offers. So, it's very talented from top to bottom. Any team can win on any given night. I love the challenge and competitiveness."

The Fighting Knights open their 2023 season at home on Sept. 1 at 6:00 pm against Saint Anselm. Conference play begins on Sept. 20 at 6:00 pm versus Nova Southeastern.