LARAMIE, Wyo. (8/11/22) – The University of Wyoming soccer team returned a lion's share of their roster from a season ago. All but one starter returned, to be exact.

Defensive center back is the one area needing a new starter. And head coach Colleen Corbin is more than confident that her young batch of defenders can fill that void.

"Our defensive backline is young, but it's incredibly competitive," Corbin said.  "We have some depth there, which is exciting, and based on what we've seen so far nobody is afraid of that challenge. Nobody has shied away from putting their hand up and wanting it to be them, so that's exciting to see."

Junior Rae Gerking returns after logging the second-most minutes played, 1,620, during the fall 2021 season. She started all 19 matches.

Senior Sydney Miller appeared in 18 games and made 17 starts, playing a total 1,213 minutes. She found the back of the net once, boasting her first-career goal in the team's record-setting day against Nevada last fall.

Sophomore Taylor Brook made her presence felt last season before suffering a season-ending injury. She made eight appearances and seven starts, registering 527 minutes, with her first-career goal occurring against Idaho State.

Sophomore Kylee Holstad competed in 721 minutes, recording 15 appearances and four starts. Senior Keelie Wortmann made 13 appearances and four starts for a total of 600 minutes played.

Senior DeLaney Hallcroft and sophomore Melia Stubbs round out the returning defender group. Both didn't play last season.

A pair of freshmen represent the final two defenders on the roster. Ally Beavers and Jessie Stonehouse joined the program this summer and will look to make an impact.

"I think when we look at our backline, we feel very confident we are going to have a group that's gritty, that wants to compete and wants to earn shutouts," Corbin said. "They don't want to get scored on, and that's what you want out of your backline."

Wyoming begins the regular season Aug. 18 at Northern Colorado.