TCU Soccer: A Season of Growth

What we learned from the 2023 season

As the 2023 TCU Soccer season has ended, it’s fitting to look back at what was a season of learning and growth.

Eric Bell and the Horned Frogs kicked off their season with a 1-0 victory over local rivals SMU on Aug. 17. Despite securing a season-opening victory, the next two games tested the Frogs. Back-to-back losses to No. 6 Florida State and No. 8 Penn State and a goalless draw to University of Alabama-Birmingham had the Frogs on the back foot after a tricky start.

Early in the season, the Frogs struggled on the attacking side of the ball, netting only one goal in the first four games. The Frogs also failed to score a goal in three consecutive games (Aug. 20 through Aug. 31) for the first time since 2015. Struggling in the attack was not a concern heading into the season, but with the departure of Messiah Bright, it became a massive issue for the team.

Over her five years at TCU, Bright netted 50 goals and established herself as the program’s all-time leading goalscorer. Electing for the NWSL Draft, Bright was selected 21st overall by the Orlando Pride and quickly imposed her game on the professional level. In the 2023 campaign, Bright led all rookies in scoring with six league goals in 22 appearances. A finalist for the NWSL Rookie of the Year, her presence, talent, and scoring ability were missed.

While this proved a hurdle for the team, the Frogs learned how to adjust and find more efficient inroads to attack. The switch came on Sep. 14 when the Frogs took a vital point in Provo, UT against No. 1 BYU. In a 3-3 draw, Seven Castain netted two goals in what was a truly massive result for the team.

Seven Castain (7) celebrates with the team after scoring from the penalty spot :: Brian McLean, On Assignment Photo/KillerFrogs

Castain grew up in Draper, UT, and going back to her home state to play BYU was the turning point for the sophomore forward.

She said, “I’ve played against these girls all my life. What do I have to be scared of? I think from then and playing like that, I could play against anybody. Since then I’ve been able to channel who I was in high school and really bring it into this [season].”

Finishing the season with seven goals, Castain matured and grew into a more critical, highly dependent role for TCU.

Following the 3-3 draw with BYU, the Frogs unleashed a six-game winning streak, defeating Stephen F. Austin, Cincinnati, West Virginia, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, and Kansas. From Sep. 14 through Oct. 15, the Frogs caught fire and went 7-1-2, scoring 19 goals in 10 games.

Throughout the season, the team’s veterans were critical in the overall success of the squad. In her fifth year, Gracie Brian netted nine goals and became the all-time program leader in assists with 27. Throughout Brian’s career, she has played and started all 101 games to her name, logging over 8,300 minutes.

What will she do next? 😏#FIGHT | #GoFrogs pic.twitter.com/Z1ScXMCJZG

— TCU Soccer (@TCUSoccer) October 24, 2023

Brian was there for the Frogs both as a leader and as someone who could take the game by the scruff of the neck. She rose from the ashes when the team depended on her most, netting 15 career game-winning goals.

Another veteran and leader that goes without question is Lauren Kellett. In 2023, Kellett logged eight clean sheets, becoming the all-time program leader in shutouts with 28. Kellett was a brick wall for the Frogs this season and put together some terrific performances. In TCU’s 1-0 victory over Texas A&M in September, Kellett made seven saves. Most notable, was her double save to keep the Aggies out from the penalty spot with 12 minutes to go.

Lauren Kellett (1) makes a diving stop to keep Texas A&M out :: Brian McLean, On Assignment Photo/KillerFrogs

Kellett dove to her right to keep A&M’s Maile Hayes from equalizing, and then got up, and tumbled back into position to save the follow-up shot. It was a miraculous save from a top-tier goalkeeper. The senior goalkeeper generated another top performance against BYU when she came up with nine saves against the Cougars.

.@laurenkellett1 is CLUTCH!!!!🤯🤯#FIGHT | #GoFrogs pic.twitter.com/qDh479TTkO

— TCU Soccer (@TCUSoccer) September 4, 2023

While Brian and Kellett were recognized in their stat lines and box scores, there are numerous others that this team would be nothing without.

The center-back pairing of Grace Coppinger and Jennie Immethun anchored the back line and led the team to stellar performances. Coppinger, who came off a torn ACL in her first season, bounced back and started 18 games for TCU. Logging over 1500 minutes, Coppinger was undoubtedly one of the most critical pieces of the backline.

A transfer from Loyola Marymount University, Immethun found it difficult to break into the starting lineup for the Frogs. But her persistence in the offseason and throughout the regular season earned her a critical spot and a starting role in the team. Starting the final 10 games of the season, Immethun put in tremendous shifts at center back and formed a promising pairing with Coppinger.

TCU Soccer center back Jennie Immethun (5) / TCU Soccer

Another unsung hero of this fabulous squad is midfielder Oli Peña. Her ability as an engine and workhorse in the middle of the park is astounding. Her physical ability to run all game and her discipline on defense was deeply dependent upon this season. This year she started all 19 games for the Frogs and notched a goal and an assist while logging over 1400 minutes.

Not to mention all the players, coaches, trainers, equipment managers, and staff that have put so much effort and time into this team. It didn’t matter how much time anyone played, all that mattered were the results.

Now while the season for the Frogs is over, each of the players should be incredibly proud of their achievements this season and look forward to building upon them next year.

Congratulations to Head Coach Eric Bell, Associate Head Coach Ryan Higginbotham, Assistant Coach Tom Serratore, Director of Player Development Madison Kroger, and Director of Soccer Operations Ana Auger-Crossman for another year of Horned Frog soccer in the books.

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