LARAMIE, Wyo. (8/16/23) – University of Wyoming soccer head coach Colleen Corbin wants her forward group to identify their superpower. Whether that's speed, maneuverability among defenders, setting up other teammates or scoring, Corbin wants her eclectic mix of forwards to tap into what makes them special soccer players.
"For example,
Ally Boysen and
Alyssa Bedard, in theory, play the same position. But
Alyssa Bedard is never going to be
Ally Boysen and
Ally Boysen is never going to be
Alyssa Bedard," Corbin said. "We have to get to a place where everyone understands their value and why they're impactful and lean into that as best they can while also still trying to play within our system."
The ability to score is one power that the forwards need to possess, and they did so last year. They netted a combined 12 scores in 2022, and all of those contributors return in 2023.
Bedard leads the way as a first-team All-Mountain West Conference selection. She tallied five goals and one assist for 11 points – second on the team – and three of those scores occurred in three consecutive contests.
Maddi Chance wasn't far behind, registering four goals and two assists for 10 points. She logged the game's only goal against San Diego State in the semifinals of the conference tournament.
Faith Joiner added two goals and three assists for seven points.
Jazi Barela rounded out the returning scorers up front with one goal.
Camille Hawley and
Amber Vokoun provide some veteran depth within the forward positional group.
Michaela Clark comes in after playing the last two years in the junior college ranks at Delta College. Boysen rounds out the forwards, as the reigning Wyoming Gatorade Player of the Year.
"The most dynamic piece of that front group is they all bring something different to the table and they're all confident in what they are doing," Corbin said. "They're playing together in a way we've never played together before. They have a lot of talent, a lot of grit and a lot of athleticism, and that's exciting."
Wyoming opens its season Thursday. The Cowgirls play host to Colorado School of Mines at 4 p.m. at the Madrid Sports Complex.
