LARAMIE, Wyo. (8/16/21) – The list of characteristics that make up an effective defender within the University of Wyoming's soccer team is long. First-year head coach Colleen Corbin is going to demand a lot out of her backline this fall, and she's confident that the pieces present can rise to the challenge.

"Leadership and communication are definitely the two biggest heavy-hitters with our defenders, along with competitive nature and relentless work rate," Corbin said. "We also want them to be calm on the ball and to be playmakers, but first and foremost their goal is to prevent goals from happening."

While turning away foe's scoring chances is first and foremost, Wyoming's defenders also have another critical responsibility. The Cowgirls must transition those scoring chances from their opponents into scoring chances of their own.

"Their job is to start the attack for us, and that means being able to keep the ball, switch the point of attack and play progressive passes into the midfield," Corbin said. "I think that is a big mindset shift, but they are loving it and embracing it and have definitely risen to that challenge."

Senior Savannah Warner stands as someone who continually rises to the challenge. She will spearhead the backline for UW.

Warner logged a team-high 813 minutes played during the spring 2021 season. Warner also paced the Cowgirls with a pair of goals on three shots.

"Savannah Warner right now has been an absolute stud for us, being a senior and a captain," Corbin said. "She's a natural leader, she's vocal, she's demanding, and she has high standards for herself and her teammates."

Those teammates vying for playing time alongside Warner include junior Keelie Wortmann, sophomores Ashley Bahr, Jazi Barela, Ellie Johnston and Rae Gerking and freshmen Eliza-Grace Smith and Kylee Holstad.

Bahr started all nine games in the spring. Wortmann appeared in eight games and started six of them, while Gerking made nine appearances and four starts. Barela and Johnston contributed off the bench and each owned an assist last season.

Wyoming begins the 2021 fall season Friday at home against Colorado School of Mines at 4 p.m. at the Madrid Sports Complex.