KU Club Soccer Keeps Players Connected to the Game

KU Club Soccer meets for practice at their home field, Central Field, in preparation for their upcoming match against Nebraska on Sept 26.

For some University of Kansas students, soccer is more than a sport — it’s part of who they are.

The KU women’s club soccer team gives players a chance to keep competing while forming close relationships on and off the field. Senior Vice President Sloan Kassen said those connections define the program.

“The people, it’s just so much fun,” Kassen said. “We hang out outside of the sport, and we have a good time on the field and off the field.”

For many players, club soccer also offers a second chance at competition after high school.

“I know a lot of us wanted to play in college but didn’t get a chance,” one player said. “Some people didn’t want to play in college and just wanted something fun to do, and it’s great to see.”

Even as a club team, the Jayhawks take training seriously. They practice three times a week as they work toward qualifying for nationals.

“We train pretty hard,” Kassen said. “We take it seriously because we always want to go to nationals.”

Kansas reached the final eight at the 2024 national tournament and hopes to make another deep run this season. The team currently ranks 11th in the U.S. College Club Soccer women’s Central Power Rankings.

Whether they’re chasing another trip to nationals or simply enjoying the game, KU’s club players say the team keeps their passion for soccer alive.

Next up, the Jayhawks host Nebraska on Sept. 26 at 3 p.m.