For decades, Virginia women’s soccer was one of the most fearsome teams in the ACC and in the NCAA Tournament. But in 2023, the Cavaliers wrapped up a short season without making the ACC or NCAA tournaments for the first time since 1993. 

This year, the Cavaliers are back on top—but they had to struggle to reclaim their spot. 

The 2023 season was a rough one for the Cavaliers, snapping a decades-long streak of qualifying for postseason tournaments.  

Despite a team with many talented players, the Cavaliers’ attack struggled to find its rhythm as injuries to key starters disrupted their flow. The season’s disappointing finish left the team searching for answers and eager to use the upcoming preseason to address the challenges they had faced.

2024 was a year of redemption. Players like Maggie Cagle, Lia Godfrey, and Alexis Theoret emerged as leaders determined to restore the program’s standards. The team opened the season with an undefeated non-conference slate, climbing back up the national rankings. Despite facing challenges in the ACC, Virginia returned to the NCAA Tournament, a fundamental step in claiming the identity of the program. 

In 2025, they’re building on 2024’s momentum. 

2025 Cavaliers

This season, the Cavaliers are dominating the opponents. With returning talent and a powerful incoming class, the Cavaliers’ roster is in contention for the NCAA title. 

Steve Swanson, head coach at Virginia for 25 years, described his 2025 team as having “a little bit of everything in this class, not just positionally but also in terms of their individual qualities which is exciting.” He also emphasized that “in addition to their soccer talent, all of them are team-oriented, hard-working, disciplined, committed to their development, and hungry to win,” underscoring his confidence that the team is ready to deliver strong results.

His preseason statements have proven true so far.

After starting the season ranked 15th in the preseason national poll, Virginia climbed to the top, holding the No. 1 spot for three consecutive weeks with a record of 10-0-2, before being overtaken by Notre Dame Thursday night. Now ranked No. 2, Virginia’s return to the top of the NCAA is still in full swing. Virginia is out for redemption and determined to uphold the history of the program. 

In the past month, the Cavaliers defeated Penn State (1-0), Syracuse (3-0), and Clemson (3-0). In early October, Virginia triumphed over the Hokies in the Commonwealth Clash, powered by goals from seniors Maggie Cagle and Lia Godfrey. Lia Godfrey and Maggie Cagle each scored crucial goals against Cal as well to secure the Cavalier’s second draw of the season.

And it’s not just the seniors who are making a difference. 

Freshman standout Pearl Cecil has already made an impact on the Cavaliers, appearing in four games this season and scoring a crucial goal in the team’s victory over Xavier. Her impressive play earned her a spot in the U.S. U-17 squad for a pair of friendlies in Spain, where she served as team captain. Her international experience is expected to provide the Cavaliers with a significant boost for the ACC and the NCAA finals this December, as well as guaranteeing solid talent for the future of the team. 

If we learn one thing from this, it’s that even the most consistent teams have tough years. 

What sets the Cavaliers apart isn’t their 2023 season—it’s how they bounced back from it. True tradition and legacy is built not only on success but on how a team responds to adversity.

With veteran leaders guiding the way and a talented new roster eager to make its mark, the Cavaliers are setting the standard in college soccer this season.