YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. | The Young Harris College women's soccer team has officially unveiled its 2025 schedule, and the Mountain Lions are ready to build on the momentum of a great 2024 campaign that saw them capture the Conference Carolinas Southwest Division title and host a playoff match for the first time in program history. 

Head coach Avram Allen enters the new season with a renewed sense of purpose and belief in his squad. "I believe excitement is in the air for the 2025 season. The rush of a new season never gets old," said Allen. "I look forward to having another opportunity to compete to win. I believe my team feels the same way." 

The Mountain Lions begin their journey with three preseason scrimmages in August, starting at home against Pellissippi State on Saturday, August 16 at 5:00 p.m. They'll then travel to Gainesville to face Brenau University on Monday, August 18 at 7:00 p.m., before returning to the Enchanted Valley to host Anderson University on Saturday, August 23 at 12:15 p.m. 

The regular season officially kicks off on Thursday, September 4 on the road against Mars Hill University, followed by a trip to Nashville to face Trevecca Nazarene on Saturday, September 6. The home opener is set for Wednesday, September 10 at 4:30 p.m. against former long-standing rival North Georgia as part of the #PACKTheDen Fan Appreciation Day. 

Conference Carolinas play begins on Saturday, September 13 at 1:00 p.m. when the Mountain Lions host Lees-McRae for the Purple Out promotion. The team then travels to Franklin Springs for their first Roar War rivalry matchup against Emmanuel on Wednesday, September 17 at 4:30 p.m. 

Young Harris returns home for back-to-back conference matches, hosting Chowan on Saturday, September 20 at 11:00 a.m. for Youth Day and Southern Wesleyan on Tuesday, September 23 at 5:00 p.m. for International Day. 

The Mountain Lions then hit the road for a tough stretch, visiting Belmont Abbey on September 27, Francis Marion on October 4, and Carson-Newman on October 8. Sandwiched between those trips is a key home Roar War rematch against the Lions of Emmanuel University on Wednesday, October 1 at 4:30 p.m. 

October 11 marks Cancer Awareness Day as Young Harris hosts Erskine at 1:00 p.m., followed by road games at Shorter (October 15) and Southern Wesleyan (October 18). With three regular season games remaining, YH takes on Converse on Saturday, October 25 at 1:00 p.m. for Women's & Men's Soccer Alumni Day. The Mountain Lions then travel to Erskine on Tuesday, October 28 before closing the regular season at home on Saturday, November 1 at 12:00 p.m. against Shorter for Senior Day. 

Coach Allen emphasized the importance of staying focused on the process. "The goal is always making it to the playoffs, no matter how you get there," he said. "Winning is not easy at the college level. A team must consistently do a lot of things right to attain the goals they set out to achieve. As a coaching staff, we want to focus more on the controllables: doing things the right way in training and each game; staying locked in on the task at hand one game at a time." 

Allen also highlighted several players to watch this fall. "Betsy Bu had a great freshman year. I believe she has a high ceiling and is one to watch," he said. "We're also excited to have our First Team All-Conference player, Charlotte Brown, back as an option after a season-ending injury last summer." 

With the departure of key leaders from last year's squad, Allen sees opportunity. "As a program, this is never easy. But it gives space for other players to step up in a big way; not just in their play, but as leaders. I'm excited to see how much our returners have grown, and I'm eager to implement our incoming players into our program and team culture." 

The 2025 Mountain Lions return a strong core from last season's championship team, including senior defender Emily Brennaman, who played over 1,100 minutes and contributed on both ends of the field. With a tight-knit group and a clear identity, the team is poised to take the next step.  

After the 2024 season came to a close, Brennaman reflected on the team's growth and chemistry. "This past season, the team was very cohesive on and off the field," she said. "With so many returners and a strong bond already in place, I believe that connection will carry over and continue to grow with the new incoming players." 

That returning core, combined with a promising group of newcomers, gives the Mountain Lions a strong foundation heading into 2025; one built on trust, team chemistry, and a shared commitment to raising the standard even higher. With a proven playoff foundation, a unified locker room, and a hunger to go further in the postseason, the 2025 Young Harris College women's soccer team is ready to speak their goals into existence. 

As head Coach Avram Allen, assistant coach Michael Ohana, and the team prepare to take the field, the Enchanted Valley awaits another thrilling chapter for the Mountain Lions women's soccer program!