POSTSEASON RUN HIGHLIGHTS LADY RAIDERS SOCCER TURNAROUND

Players from a girls' soccer team in blue uniforms, known as the Lady Raiders, celebrate on the field by hugging and high-fiving after an apparent goal. Two players in the center embrace joyfully, one with a black captain's armband, while teammates reach out smiling; an opposing player in white uniform number 28 stands with hands on hips in the background near the goal net on a sunny day. — The Lady Raiders celebrate a goal against Chattanooga State

January 8, 2026

In their second season, Roane State women's soccer transformed from a winless debut campaign into a postseason contender, capping a remarkable turnaround with the program's first playoff victory before bowing out in the regional semifinals.

The Lady Raiders ended the 2025 campaign with an 8-8-2 overall record and 5-6-1 in TCCAA play—a vast leap from last year's 0-12 conference record. Coach Donnie Green guided a young roster to key shutouts and competitive showings against tough opponents like nationally ranked Motlow State.

"This year was completely different," Green said. "We had depth, confidence and players stepping up. Last season we built the foundation and then this year we competed every game and made history."

The breakthrough came early on Aug. 24 with a 5-0 home win over Chattanooga State—the program's first conference victory. Freshman Maddie Bailey scored unassisted in the 37th minute, sparking a second-half surge. Sophomore Jazmine West added two goals, while freshmen Molly Ketterman and Natalie Gilmore netted their first collegiate scores.

"We created so many chances but needed calm in front of goal," Green said. "Once we settled, the midfield took over." Freshman goalkeeper Addison Roberts earned her first shutout with five saves as Roane State outshot Chattanooga 42-9.

Conference play tested the Lady Raiders as the season wore on. A tough four-game road trip in September included a 1-0 win at Covenant College behind Zoey Rose's goal, and a gritty 0-0 tie at Columbia State—far better than an earlier 8-0 defeat. Roberts starred with 19 saves against Columbia.

Homefield advantage fueled a team resurgence when Roane State returned home. On Sept. 25, Roane State routed Dyersburg State 6-0 as Rose recorded a hat trick. October featured a 2-0 Sophomore Night win over Southwest Tennessee, with freshman Emma Leander and Ketterman connecting for both goals.

The regular season closed Oct. 18 with another 6-0 soccer showcase against Chattanooga State. Leander notched a hat trick, Rose and freshman Breanna Sanderson added goals, and the defense limited the Lady Tigers shooting.

As the No. 4 seed, Roane State made more history with a 1-0 quarterfinal playoff win at Southwest Tennessee on Oct. 26. Leander scored off Rose's assist, and Roberts posted a clean sheet with seven saves in the rain. "This season was a big part of history for our program—these girls earned it," Green said.

The run ended in the NJCAA Region VII conference semifinals with a loss to Motlow State. Standouts included Roberts in goal, a stout back line of Victoria Moua, Makhira Ralston, Monica Bownds and Jesla Uribe plus freshmen attackers like Rose, Leander and Bailey.

"We're building something special," Green said. "The progress from year one to this—it's huge for where we're headed."

Goalkeeper Addison Roberts and midfielder Zoey Rose earned spots on the TCCAA All-Conference Second Team, capping breakout seasons that fueled Roane State's historic rise. Roberts anchored the defense with multiple clean sheets and big saves, including 19 in a draw at Columbia State, while Rose provided dynamic scoring and key assists, highlighted by a hat trick against Dyersburg State and the setup for the playoff winner.

"Those two were huge for us all year," Green said. "Their recognition is well-deserved and shows the talent we're building for the future with this young group."