University of New Hampshire Athletics
Women's Soccer 2024 Season Recap
1/7/2025 4:26:00 PM | Women's Soccer
DURHAM, N.H. – The University of New Hampshire women's soccer team closed the 2024 season with a campaign marked by exceptional achievements, solidifying the Wildcats as a leading program in the America East Conference.
UNH wrapped up the season with a 12-5-1 record, finishing as runner-up in both the America East regular season and tournament. The Wildcats made their third America East championship game appearance in the last four years (2021, 2022, 2024), highlighting the program's consistency and competitiveness. This year's success also included the program's third consecutive winning season—a first in program history—and a tie for the school record for victories in a single season with 12, which was set by the 1988 team.
The Wildcats achieved a program-best NCAA RPI ranking at 74th out of 348 teams, which placed them in the top 21.2% nationally. Four of the team's five losses were against eventual conference champions, including UConn (Big East), Stony Brook (CAA), and Maine (America East). The defense remained a hallmark of the program, allowing just 14 goals over 18 matches—the second-lowest total in school history, one more than the 2023 record of 13.
UNH was one of just eight Division I teams to receive the United Soccer Coaches Team Ethics and Sportsmanship Award, recognizing the Wildcats' commitment to integrity on the field and placing them in the top 2.3% in the nation. The program also led all UNH fall sports teams in the America East Commissioner's Cup standings with 42 points.
Individually, the Wildcats shined with three players earning America East major awards for their outstanding seasons. Redshirt junior goalkeeper Sally Rainey (West Lebanon, N.H.) was named Goalkeeper of the Year, senior forward Meghan Guarente (Sewell, N.J.) earned Striker of the Year, and junior back Maddie Kolb (Tolland, Conn.) was recognized as Defender of the Year. Both Rainey and Kolb were recognized nationally, with TopDrawerSoccer.com ranking Rainey as the No. 67 player and Kolb as the No. 69 player in the nation.
Their exceptional performances throughout the season also earned all three players All-Conference First Team and United Soccer Coaches All-Region honors. Rainey and Guarente were named to the Second Team, while Kolb received Third Team recognition. Additionally, freshman back Lydia Poulin (West Hartford, Conn.) was named to the America East All-Rookie Team for her outstanding freshman campaign.
Rainey led the America East with a 0.78 GAA and nine shutouts, ranking among the top 30 nationally in both categories. She was also the only goalkeeper named to the Scholar All-East Region First Team. Guarente tallied 10 goals, including six game-winners, to tie for the league lead and rank seventh nationally. Kolb anchored a dominant defense and added All-ECAC First Team honors to her impressive resume.
Three Wildcats were named to the America East All-Championship Team for their standout postseason performances: senior back Megan Logue (Oak Hills, Calif.) junior midfielder Abbi Maier (Cincinnati, Ohio), and sophomore forward Elizabeth Finn (Scituate, Mass.).
Off the field, Rainey and Guarente became the first Wildcats to earn United Soccer Coaches Academic All-America honors in the same season, in addition to their Scholar All-East Region First Team accolades. Both also were selected to compete in the NEWISA Senior Bowl.
Six Wildcats earned Academic All-District Team honors, further highlighting the program's academic excellence: senior forward Chloe DeLyser (Marion, N.Y.), graduate midfielder Anna Hewlett (Webster, N.Y.), Logue, Maier, Guarente, and Rainey.
UNH alum Alivia Kelly '23 continued the team's tradition of excellence by signing a professional contract with Wellington Phoenix this year, showcasing the development of elite talent within the program.
The Wildcats' record-breaking achievements and competitive consistency underscore the strength of the program. With a foundation of success and a culture of excellence, UNH women's soccer is poised to build on this momentum in the seasons ahead.
