Prior to the start of the 2023 season, this year's Ashland University women's soccer team took part in a Zoom meeting with some of the 1998 Eagles – the first and only team in the program to this point to reach the NCAA Division II Final Four.
In the late summer of 1998, Ashland women's soccer was about to start its fourth season. The program began in 1995 with a 13-6 record, then a tougher schedule by design resulted in an 8-11 mark in 1996. By 1997, the Eagles were ready to be an NCAA tournament-type side, and reached the postseason, finishing at 12-7 overall and 7-0 in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
Then there was the 1998 season – one in which Ashland finished at 17-3-1, with a second consecutive NCAA playoff berth, and its first two NCAA victories against West Virginia Wesleyan (3-0) and Southern Indiana (1-0 in double overtime) before a 5-2 loss in a national semifinal against Sonoma State in Boca Raton, Fla.
Current Ashland head coach
Cayleb Paulino reached out to 1998 senior midfielder
Reni Lawrence, a former head coach with Lake Erie College's women's soccer team, about getting seniors on the 1998 team together to talk to the 2023 group.
"I felt this year there was going to be a lot of expectation on the group from the previous year's successes," Paulino said. "I thought it would be very beneficial to connect with the group that had set the standard when it comes to success at Ashland and have them talk about what made their group so special.
"They drop us messages on the success we have had this year and notes of motivation to keep it going. I have also tried to keep them up to date on recognitions the group gets throughout the season."
When asked what the 2023 Eagles owe former teams like the 1998 team, Paulino said, "Our job here is to continue to raise the standard the teams before us have set and continue the legacy of Ashland University women's soccer. Just having them be involved and having conversation with our group I know means a lot to our team and staff."
1998 FINISHED THE JOB STARTED IN 1995
In 1995, Ashland women's soccer was born to a 2-1 overtime win at California, Pa. The Eagles were 13-4 before losing their last two games to Mercyhurst (3-0) and West Virginia Wesleyan (6-0) – both future NCAA playoff antagonists.
The beefing up of the 1996 schedule, then the 1997 postseason run, set up the 1998 Eagles for the success they enjoyed, which started with winning their first 10 games that fall.
Was it a surprise that the team went as far as it did in 1998?
Kate (Johnson) Regan, a three-time all-GLIAC defender and 1997 first-team all-region selection – "Yes and no. Given the fact that we were working our butts off and practices and trainings were so intense, we could see the team coming together. We were a strong force. But to get that far in the national tournament was unexpected and an overwhelming surprise in some ways."
Lawrence – "Honestly, it wasn't a surprise. We were not very good our first/second year, but then things started coming together, and nobody really questioned it. It just was happening."
Kelly (Rostocil) Rutkowski, senior defender in 1998 – "I guess it should have been a surprise, but, honestly, we worked so hard that we expected to go far and deserved it. Specifically speaking about my class of seniors, we worked hard for four years. Working hard and having high expectations wasn't something new to us in that last season. We had been working for that last season. We started Day 1 with the intent of leaving a legacy."
Kelly Jacobs, 2017 Ashland University Hall of Famer and senior defender in 1998 who was first-team all-region and All-GLIAC that season – "Looking back on it, yes, it is a bit shocking that we did what we did. At the time not at all, our goals were to win the conference, the region and a national championship. We knew we could play with anyone. The Final Four teams our junior year, we knew we were just as good as. That was our motivation our senior year, we just needed to prove how good we were to everyone else."
What are some of the things that jump out the most about the 1998 season?
Jacobs – "How close the team was. That everyone was playing for each other. We were all motivated from the very start. We had so much confidence in each other. Our practices were so intense, but once we walked off the field, we were all best friends. On the field, there were definitely some special moments. Of course, the games that stand out the most are the playoff games. West Virginia Wesleyan, we finally played a great game against them and won. Of course, Southern Indiana 'the goal' to send us on to the Final Four – we'll never forget that moment."
Rutkowski – "Honestly, I know it sounds cliche, but the friendships. It's been 25 years and my best friends in life are from my college soccer team. When it comes to the actual season itself – I remember knowing we were playing well, but I also remember that we never took it for granted. We constantly worked hard. It almost felt like the season wasn't going to end – and that was fine by me."
Regan – "Being extremely focused each practice at pushing ourselves and each other to be better than our opponent. Trusting and depending on each other implicitly both on and off the field. Building friendships that will last a lifetime!"
Nicole (Smith) Harriott, senior midfielder in 1998 – "How fast it went by, especially being our senior year. I know it's hard to step back in the moment, but take a second and realize how proud you should be and how bad you want to finish the job."
What made the 1998 team special?
Julie (Cunningham) Noel, senior midfielder in 1998 and a two-time all-region and two-time All-GLIAC honoree – "The first group of women soccer players to sign on the dotted line to commit to AU, we can only possess that accolade, and I think we looked around those first few days and knew we would do something special. We were the trailblazers, and the recruiters chose right. Not all of us may have been the most skilled, but we broke the mold with our competitive and tough nature. We also trusted each other and knew we always had each other's back, never thought twice about it. We all provided and produced when needed on and off the field for each other. Man, it was a lot of fun. The Class of '98 were the trailblazers, and it has been fun and prideful seeing the success of the program over the years."
Rutkowski – "We were the true definition of a team. We were family. We had each other's backs and pushed each other, and not just on the field. We were there for each other in life and in the classroom. When you watch sports movies and you're really proud of how hard the team worked to earn whatever award (or big game at the end), that was this team. We worked and worked and worked. And when one of us was worn out and tired, then the team lifted that player up and helped her to keep going."
Regan – "We had both the struggle and luxury of starting a new team full of freshmen. We had to take our lumps, learn our lessons, and work through them. That led to a tight bond, strong work ethic, and the undeniable belief that we can rely on each other. We also picked each other up off the field when needed, and had so many laughs together!"
Jacobs – "The team was truly unselfish. We cared more about our team goals than ourselves. Everyone knew their roles and had perfected them by the end of the season and playoff run. Everyone was a leader and stepped up when they were needed. We all understood our strengths and weaknesses, but we knew each others' as well. When someone was having a tough game or practice, we knew how to pull them out of it and get them to pick it up."
Lawrence – "I think what made us so special is that we were all very close. We trusted each other. Trust is one of the hardest things an athlete can do, and it's one of the most important. We were close, we did things together as a team, and we trusted each other."
Harriott – "The bond of friendship. We would do anything for each other, and it translated on the field."
What was it like to represent Ashland University at an NCAA Division II championship?
Jacobs – "It was pretty cool. We had a lot of people at our home games throughout the season. We could feel all the support around campus. There really is pride when you put on that jersey and represent AU. The further on we went, I think we realized how big it was, and we were playing for more than just our team."
Rutkowski – "Wearing ASHLAND on the front of our jerseys was special. It was special because that was our home, the place that made us a family. And, we started with 18 players in our class during our freshman year. By the end, there were nine of us. So, we knew we were a special part of the team's history and part of defining the team and the team's expectations."
Regan – "It was surreal! We had no idea what to expect and it was a bit overwhelming. It was also super exciting and gratifying knowing our hard work came to fruition and we got credit for four hard years of work and commitment."
Lawrence – "It was unexplainable, the energy of the championships was out of this world. It's hard to put into words what we experienced. The crowd, the media, and specific rules the day of the game. It was all so foreign, yet our coach had things under control and we just followed what he told us to do!"
Harriott – "Absolutely. We were really a bunch of local Ohio kids competing on a national stage with much more established programs who had deeper recruiting platforms."
How much do you follow the 2023 team and its accomplishments, and how much pride do you have in that as someone who helped start the program?
Erin (Sluga) Martin, senior forward in 1998 who scored the game's first goal in the win against West Virginia Wesleyan and the Final Four loss to Sonoma State – "I have been following Ashland women's soccer since graduating in 1999. For the 2023 team, I knew their season started with difficult competition, so I have been checking their record, stats and box scores since Game 1 (I also send texts to many prior players with updates). Coach Paulino said Cedarville was a huge rival, so a few of us attended that game. Since realizing that I can watch the games live-streamed, I haven't missed one. Go AU!"
Regan – "We have a text stream talking about most of the games! It's been fun to see the standings and scores. I'm so proud to be called a fellow Eagle, and very happy that the team has continued to grow and get recognition. They're an amazing team this year. Go Eagles!"
Lawrence – "I'm very proud to be an alumna. I'm also very proud of the 2023 team. As a former college coach, I have followed Ashland for the last 25 years – either playing against them in the conference, or playing them in an off-season game, or watching the games online (which I catch almost all of them). I know coach Cayleb well and have enjoyed watching him create a buzz, energy and a foundation that was similar to what we had. It's been amazing to stay connected to the team that gave me so much."
Jacobs – "I have been following, (and) Erin and I went to a game. It was pretty neat going back. A lot has changed, but it still feels like home. I have watched all the playoff games online and plan to go to the game with a few others from the '98 team. It's definitely fun watching this team's success and brought back a lot of memories. There is definitely a lot of pride knowing what it takes to do what this team is doing. It's pretty cool that the school is still so supportive of the soccer programs."
Harriott – "I'm so proud of the 2023 team. It's great to see the legacy continue!"
Noel – "It has been a lot of fun reconnecting and looking back. You go through some of the hardest physical and mental challenges playing a collegiate sport, and you create a pretty special bond with your team. Can't wait to watch this special '23 team make their dreams happen, too."
Rutkowski – "Honestly, I've checked in on teams here and there over the years, but I've never truly followed a team until this year. I follow their Instagram accounts, Facebook, I read about 'other news' (they are not 'just' soccer players...there are women with amazing leadership qualities making a difference in the world in areas such as mental health awareness), I follow up on game scores, and I've even been to a game (my first time to watch one in that stadium - I love it), and my friends (teammates) send updates as well. Additionally, the current coach has helped us (1999 graduating seniors) feel special by including us in the news and even with a Zoom call. I am absolutely proud. I am very proud to be an AU Eagle. It felt special 29 years ago to walk in as part of the inaugural team, it felt special 25 years ago to be part of that final team, and now, it's special all over again."
