What's Happening?
The St. John Fisher University women's soccer team has received significant recognition from the Empire 8 Conference for the 2026 season, claiming three major awards and having seven players named to All-Conference teams. Junior forward Emily Woolingham
made program history by becoming the first two-time Empire 8 Offensive Player of the Year. Junior defender Abby Dorunda was honored as the E8 Co-Defensive Player of the Year, and head coach Molly Romano, along with her staff, earned the E8 Coaching Staff of the Year award for the second time in five seasons. Woolingham had a standout season, leading the Empire 8 in total points (40) and goals (17), ranking 14th and 9th nationally, respectively. Dorunda played a crucial role in a defense that allowed a conference-low 13 goals. The team also saw three first-team All-Empire 8 selections, including Woolingham, Dorunda, and senior midfielder Francesca Logrippo. Junior forward Olivia Kalil, senior midfielder Carli Maltbie, and sophomore goalkeeper Isabella Ayers received second-team accolades, while sophomore defender Morgan Tara earned third-team recognition. Maltbie was also selected for the Empire 8 Tomorrow's Leader Team.
Why It's Important?
This achievement by the St. John Fisher University women's soccer team signifies a period of sustained excellence and strong leadership within their athletic program. The recognition of Emily Woolingham as a two-time Offensive Player of the Year highlights her exceptional talent and impact on the team's performance, potentially attracting more high-caliber athletes to the university. The coaching staff's repeated success, including their second Coaching Staff of the Year award, indicates a robust and effective program development strategy. This level of success in collegiate sports can enhance the university's reputation, boost student morale, and foster a stronger sense of community among alumni and supporters. Furthermore, the individual accolades for multiple players underscore the depth of talent and the comprehensive development provided by the program, contributing to the overall prestige of St. John Fisher University in the competitive landscape of NCAA Division III athletics.
What's Next?
The St. John Fisher University women's soccer team, having matched the 1982 team's program record for wins (15) and securing the Empire 8 regular-season title, will likely aim to build on this success in upcoming seasons. The return of key players like Emily Woolingham and Abby Dorunda, both juniors, suggests a strong core for future campaigns. The coaching staff, led by Molly Romano, who now holds a 74-37-20 career record over eight seasons, will focus on maintaining this high level of performance and potentially advancing further in national tournaments. The recognition of multiple players across various All-Conference teams indicates a well-rounded squad, which bodes well for continued competitiveness. The university will likely leverage these achievements in recruitment efforts, seeking to attract new talent to sustain the program's success and further elevate its standing within NCAA Division III soccer.
Beyond the Headlines
The success of the St. John Fisher University women's soccer team extends beyond athletic achievements, reflecting broader themes of dedication, teamwork, and leadership development. The Empire 8 Tomorrow's Leader Team selection for Carli Maltbie highlights the program's commitment to fostering well-rounded student-athletes who excel not only in competition but also in the classroom and community. This emphasis on holistic development can have a lasting impact on the lives of these young women, equipping them with valuable skills and experiences that transcend their athletic careers. The team's consistent performance, including three consecutive seasons with double-digit wins, also speaks to the culture of resilience and perseverance cultivated within the program. Such achievements can inspire other athletic programs within the university and serve as a model for balancing academic rigor with competitive sports excellence.
