A young and growing program, Azusa Pacific women’s soccer is on the brink of putting together its finest season ever. And that in itself is quite a statement considering that the Cougars are coming off a 16-6 campaign in which they finished 1997 ranked No. 12 in the NAIA.
Second-year Cougar coach Christian Johnson has vaulted Azusa Pacific onto the national scene, putting the Cougars in position to make a run at their first-ever conference championship and a berth into the NAIA national tournament. Thirteen Cougars return from last year’s team, including the program’s first-ever NAIA All-Americans – sophomore forward Kendra Payne and junior defender Jennifer Babel.
Since the inception of women’s soccer in 1989, Azusa Pacific has steadily and systematically built a reputable program. Today the Cougars play approximately 20 regular season games against NAIA and NCAA Division II opponents throughout Southern California. Athletic scholarships help build the typical 18-player roster.
Located at the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, Cougar Stadium is the scenic setting of Azusa Pacific’s evening soccer games. The Cougars play the majority of their home games under the lights, allowing a larger crowd of family, friends, alumni, faculty/staff and students to participate in the support of the team.
