Northwest Seeks Back-To-Back Soccer National Championships

Northwest Community College has risen to become a perennial powerhouse in women’s soccer after a historic 2024 season. The Rangers earned the program’s first ever preseason No. 1 ranking and did not disappoint, going a perfect 22-0 and winning the NJCAA Region 23 and Division II National Championship.

The team’s group of sophomores finished their time at Northwest with a combined record of 43-2, a historically impressive feat. Now, head coach James Beattie enters his sixth season leading the team into the 2025 season. The NJCAA released the first ranking of the season and the Rangers received all nine first place votes to unanimously earn the top spot in the poll.

Other teams in the MACCC that were listed in the opening rankings include Holmes (No. 4), Jones (No. 10), and Pearl River (No. 15). The schedule for Northwest will be littered with ranked teams, and the Rangers will face four non-conference opponents who are also ranked.

Beattie and the Rangers are ready to take on the tough schedule with momentum being carried over from last year’s championship. He spoke on what the expectations are for his team in 2025.

“Our goal is to compete at the national level and be the best version of ourselves individually and collectively on and off the field,” Beattie said.

The Rangers return a strong cast of returners to help carry the load this season. Emma Jensen was the recipient of the 2024 MACCC Player of the Year and returns in the middle with assistance from players like Caroline Hamm, Ruby Barton, Lillie McCutchen, and Allie Kimbrell. Coach was asked about what he thinks of the freshman class and he noted that there are several players with potential to make a big impact as well.

Northwest begins its regular season on Saturday August 23 against 14th ranked St. Louis at the 2025 JUCO Kickoff Classic in Westfield, Indiana. The home opener for the Rangers will be on September 12 against National Park in Senatobia.

Author administrator Kellen Walker