GREEN BAY, Wis. – Head Coach Julie Grutzner will begin her third season at the helm of the Green Bay women's soccer program tomorrow when the Phoenix open the 2024 campaign at Illinois State.

Four things to know before the season kicks off:

1. Another year, another young roster.
Of the 30 players on the 2024 squad, 22 are a redshirt sophomore or younger. There are 12 true freshmen, including 11 from this year's recruiting class, nine sophomores, and one redshirt sophomore. Six of the student-athletes from the recruiting class are from Wisconsin, including four from Northeast Wisconsin.

"Each of these players come from successful club and high school programs bringing a winning mentality to our team," said Grutzner on March 7. "We feel many of them will fight for starting spots while adding athleticism and speed to every position."

The Phoenix had 11 true freshmen and nine sophomores on its roster of 28 last season.

2. Like 2023, there's a long road trip.
Just as they had scheduled last year, Green Bay will have a challenging five-game road trip from September 5-September 22. The trip begins at Western Illinois before making stops at Central Michigan (Sept. 8), Drake (Sept. 12), and Wright State (Sept. 19) before concluding the trip at Northern Kentucky.

Should all five matches be played, it will tie the program's longest road trip since 2014 (five games). The Phoenix twice had a four-game trip on the 2022 docket. GB would have tied the 2014 road trip last season but had its contest against North Florida canceled due to Hurricane Idalia.

3. Mallorie Benhart looks to take over goalkeeping full-time.
The Green and White spent 2023 splitting goalkeeper duties between Mallorie Benhart and Payton Lang. Benhart is the lone goalkeeper to carryover from the 2023 squad, with newcomers Grace Freyberg and Alondra Iriarte (both freshmen) battling alongside Benhart. Mallorie, who stands at six feet tall, had a challenging 2023 season. Across 10 games (all starts), she posted a 2.42 GAA (goals against average) but delivered her first career shutout against Oakland on October 15. Benhart allowed two or fewer goals in six of her 10 contests played.

4. A young Phoenix Rising.
Sophomore forward Lanie Weikert will look to take the next step after a strong freshman season in 2023. She was responsible for scoring one of Green Bay's eight goals last year and ranked second on the team in shots (22) and shots on goal (11).

Highlights of the 2024 offseason:

November 13, 2023: Green Bay announces the additions of Abby Lom, Laney Stark, Senah Hanes, Sydney Bollis, and Makenna Smith.
January 5, 2024: Green Bay adds transfers Rebecca Stoeckmann and Hanna Arvay.
February 8, 2024: Ryann Locante joins the Phoenix.
March 7, 2024: Head Coach Julie Grutzner announces the 2024 recruiting class, bringing in 11 true freshmen for the 2024 season.
May 21, 2024: Aixa Helbringer-Escobar signs with Green Bay.
June 3, 2024: Ella Rogowski joins the Phoenix.
June 24, 2024: The 2024 schedule is released.
August 7, 2024: Lilly Lambird is the final addition to the 2024 roster.

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