UM-Flint Women's Club Soccer: scoring goals, building community, gaining recognition

The sound of striking leather echoes across the gym as the University of Michigan-Flint Women's Club Soccer team takes part in an open practice. But for this squad, the practice represents something far more significant than the passing of balls and the running of drills—it embodies the remarkable revival of a program that nearly disappeared during the pandemic and now stands as a vibrant example of student perseverance and community building.

From struggle to strength: The post-COVID rebuild

Like many campus organizations, UMFWS faced an existential threat during COVID-19. Team participation plummeted, interest waned and the program's future hung in the balance.

"We've come a long way," said senior BBA/MBA student Abigail Weycker of Flint, the team's marketing and fundraising chair. "Last fall, we had 23 girls on the roster, up from just 11 a few years ago. We were able to take part in 11 games as well."

That dramatic growth reflects the determination of students who refused to let the program fade away. When the team takes the field this fall, they will carry a story of resilience that resonates across the UM-Flint campus—particularly for commuter students seeking meaningful connections beyond the classroom. 

Despite this remarkable progress, the team still faces significant challenges in establishing their presence. "Recognition remains one of our biggest hurdles," said senior BS/MS computer science student Brianna Mosholder, the team's president from Swartz Creek. "I've heard many students say they were unaware we had a women's soccer team or even club sports at all. We'd like to be taken seriously as a team."

This desire for recognition stems from the profound impact the team has had on its members' university experiences. For many players, the soccer program provides much more than athletic competition—it creates a vital sense of community and belonging that transforms their college journey.

At a predominantly commuter school, fostering connection and belonging is especially impactful, for Miranda Hardy a senior BA human biology and pre-physical therapy student from Flint. Hardy, who serves as team vice president, secretary, and captain shares how soccer has been a grounding force in her life. "Soccer has always been where I felt I could be the truest version of myself." She highlighted the team's supportive environment, saying, "This team is full of funny, friendly, and amazing people. Without it, I wouldn't have nearly as many on-campus relationships." Her experience underscores how the team creates meaningful connections that enhance the campus experience for commuter students.

For Mosholder, soccer was the deciding factor in her college choice. "When I was making the decision on where to go to school, I knew I did not want to move away. This made my options a little more limited. I chose to go to UM-Flint. One of the main factors in this decision was the fact that the university had a women's soccer team, unlike other schools in the area."

What began simply as a way to continue playing her favorite sport evolved into something more meaningful. "I love having the sense of community that being a part of a team like this creates," Mosholder said. "Without this program, my entire college experience would have been completely different. I would have never been involved on campus the way that I am and would've never met any of the amazing people I have met throughout my time in this program."

Building skills at all levels

Part of what makes UMFWS special is its inclusivity. Last season, several first-time soccer players played alongside experienced athletes. 

"Seeing where they started to where they are now amazes me. All of them have come so far with their skills, and I can't wait to see them continue to grow as players," said Hardy.

The team hosts regular open practices in the campus Recreation Center, creating opportunities for any interested female students to participate.

"Our open practices typically occur in the Rec Center, usually once or twice a month," Weycker said. "They are open to any female student interested in soccer, whether they continue with us in the fall or just want to get active. Between coach and Miranda, they usually start with warmups and stretching and then go into specific drills focusing on things like first touches, ball control and field awareness."

Hardy encourages students of all ability levels to try it. "Open practices are a great way for current female students to meet some of our players and our coach and see what our team is all about."

Expanding impact beyond campus

The team's vision extends well beyond their own matches and practices. This June, they're organizing a summer camp for kids at Bicentennial Park in Grand Blanc.

"There aren't many local female role models for little girls in soccer," Weycker said. "We want to be those role models—people they can look at and think, 'I can do that too!'"

The camp, scheduled for June 21, will welcome girls aged 5-13. Registration and additional information can be found here.

The team emphasizes the importance of showing diverse pathways in sports. They aim to inspire the next generation of soccer players and show that there are ways to include sports in life after high school, like playing a club sport. 

Meeting financial challenges

The team's ambitions face practical constraints. "Our biggest expenses are renting buses for away games, our game facility, and paying for officials and our coach," Weycker said.

Fundraising remains at the forefront of how the team sustains itself. Events like the annual Giving Blueday campaign, which raised an impressive $1,919.17 from 38 donors, help fund these essential costs and new team jerseys. Beyond university support, the team raises funds through "dine to donate" events throughout the fall season, and their upcoming summer soccer camp serves as another opportunity.

"All of these donations helped us to make those purchases listed above, where we otherwise might've had to hold off and make different decisions," said Weycker. 

These fundraising efforts are crucial for maintaining the program's viability. Those interested in supporting the team can make donations at any time by visiting the club sports webpage or contacting the Club Sports office located in the UM-Flint Recreation Center.

Looking forward: building community and competitiveness

As they prepare for the fall 2025 season, the team has competitive and community-building aspirations.

"We want to help show that UM-Flint is more than a commuter school," said Mosholder. "And overall, we want to see the program grow and allow for more involvement with women and club sports on campus as well as creating an environment where everyone on the team feels like they belong there."

With Maldonado's leadership and an expanding roster, the team hopes to become more competitive while maintaining its inclusive environment. They actively encourage students of all skill levels to attend one of their upcoming practices to experience what UM-Flint Women's Club Soccer is all about.

"The best part of being a part of UMFWS is the opportunity to meet new people," said Weycker.

For these student-athletes, soccer is more than just athletic competition—it provides a pathway to personal growth, lasting friendships, and a richer college experience. Their perseverance has transformed a struggling club into a thriving community that enhances campus life for all involved.

For updates, follow the team on Instagram.