MOUNT VERNON, Wash. — The Skagit Valley College (SVC) women’s soccer team is making history, advancing to the Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) Final Four for the first time since 1995.
The milestone marks the Cardinals’ third Final Four appearance in program history and caps an impressive season highlighted by record-breaking individual performances and multiple conference honors.
Led by North Region Coach of the Year Tony Savoy, the Cardinals secured their spot in the conference semifinals with postseason victories over Umpqua Community College in the opening round and Highline College in the quarterfinals.
The achievement comes during SVC’s centennial year, adding another historic milestone to the college’s 100-year legacy of student success and athletic excellence.
The women’s soccer program was established during the 1994-95 academic year as one of five colleges participating in the NWAC’s inaugural women’s soccer competition. The Cardinals advanced to the Final Four in both 1994 and 1995, with the latter appearance setting a postseason benchmark that stood for more than three decades.
Now in his 11th season as head coach, Savoy has guided the Cardinals back to the conference’s final four teams, marking one of the most significant accomplishments in program history.
“I couldn't be prouder of this group of student-athletes and everything they've accomplished this season,” said Savoy. “They've worked incredibly hard, believed in each other, and continued to raise the bar for our program. To reach the Final Four for the first time in 31 years is something special, and it's a reflection of the dedication and commitment they've shown all season. We're excited for the opportunity ahead of us.”
The team’s success has been fueled in part by sophomore Kiersten Hendrickson, who has delivered a record-breaking season. Hendrickson has recorded 21 goals and 11 assists for a total of 53 points, establishing a new single-season scoring record for the modern era of SVC women’s soccer.
Her performance places her among the NWAC’s top offensive players, leading the conference in total points while ranking third in both goals and assists.
The Cardinals’ outstanding season has also earned several North Region postseason honors. Riley Lumpkin, Kiersten Hendrickson, and Avery Lagerstrom were named First Team All-Region, while Jayde Linson and Sophie Pioli received Second Team All-Region recognition. Savoy was named North Region Coach of the Year.
The Cardinals will face Columbia Basin College in the NWAC Championship Semifinals on Friday, Nov. 13, at 1:30 p.m. at Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila, Washington.
As SVC celebrates its 100th anniversary, the women’s soccer team’s historic postseason run adds another chapter to the college’s proud athletic tradition and reflects the dedication, teamwork, and perseverance of its student-athletes.
Learn more about Cardinal athletics online at https://athletics.skagit.edu.
Media Contact Info
Marisa Pierce, Executive Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications
360.416.7957
marisa.pierce@skagit.edu