UNCW women's soccer team ready to move forward after offseason filled with questions

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) - Without a coach for almost six months, the UNCW women's soccer team's offseason was a roller coaster of emotions.

Former coach Paul Cairney was suspended in December 2017 over allegations of sexual assault. Shortly after District Attorney Ben David announced no charges would be filed in June, the university let Cairney go.

"It was difficult having to sit and wait and wondering what the team was thinking," said UNCW junior Dominique Martinez. "Are (teammates) down? Are they up? Are they worried what is going on?"

Prior to the hiring of new head coach Chris Neal, the players never quit on each other and continue to work to get better with the season opener at VCU coming up Friday.

"As the spring season went on, we got closer and closer and as the summer went along," said UNCW junior Baley Edwards. "We stayed in touch and did summer leagues and played with each other so I think it got us closer together."

Neal, a UNCW graduate and Wilmington native, was hired in July, giving him just a few weeks to get ready for the season.

"I wish I had more time, but that's the nature of our season," said Neal. "It makes it different from any other NCAA sport. You report on Aug. 1 and play games in two weeks and counting matches two weeks later."

Even with a tumultuous offseason, expectations haven't changed for the Seahawks.

However, the coaches in the Colonial Athletic Association don't share UNCW's optimism, picking the Seahawks to finish ninth in the 10-team league in the preseason poll.

"I haven't even brought it up," Neal said of the preseason vote. "All the players have iPhones and are aware of it, and at the right time, it will be used as fuel for the fire."

"That helps us motivate each other every day in practice to get better and prove everyone wrong," Edwards added.

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