Click here to listen to Coach Viedenkamp preview the season
The Iowa Lakes women's soccer season gets underway Friday April 2nd against Hawkeye Community College at 3:00 pm. The Lakers last played the fall of 2019, which ended with a loss to Iowa Central in the post season tournament. After the 17-month hiatus the Lakers are looking forward to taking the field with some returning and new talent.
The Lakers return the team MVP from last year, Danielle Grimmer. Grimmer was the most consistent player for the Lakers. Head Coach Viedenkamp describes her as "just a rock-solid defender who is very reliable," she finished the season as an all-conference honorable mention. Another returning player for the Lakers will be Sofia Hernandez-Riano who is back in the center midfield. Hernandez-Riano is best described as a very technical player who keeps the ball moving. Additional returners include starting goalkeeper, Diana Brazier, wing player Bruna Kruschewsky, and defender Emily Macleod who battled through injury most of last season.
Making an appearance for the first time as a Laker will be key freshmen Isabell Burger, Alexis Vasquez, and Abigail Thompson. Burger will be starting at right back for the Lakers this year as she is very fit and loves to get forward and put the ball in the box. Vasquez is a quick and shifty attacking midfielder; she has an eye for a goal and loves to take players on with her competitive spirit. Coach Viedenkamp describes Thompson, "Just a scary, tough defender with a great physical presence."
The Lakers are coached by Head Coach Blake Viedenkamp, who is going into his fifth season with Iowa Lakes women's soccer. When asked where his team compares this season, he responded by saying, "We had some tough losses. This year we bring a lot more into the attack. We have a lot of positive sophomore leadership this year." This season the Lakers are looking to face tough competition that includes, Iowa Western, Indian Hills, and Iowa Central. These teams have historically been good with talented players at every position. Coach Viedenkamp ends by saying Laker fans can look forward to some more goals than last year and a competitive season.
OTHER: Interviews attached with Head Coach Blake Viedenkamp
Link to Roster: https://iowalakesathletics.com/sports/wsoc/2020-21/roster
Link to Schedule: https://iowalakesathletics.com/sports/wsoc/2020-21/schedule
MEDIA: For more information, please contact Head Women's Soccer Coach Blake Viedenkamp at (712) 580-8652 or the Iowa Lakes sports information office at (712) 362-7928.