Pacific Index

Coach McNamara highlights confidence, player development, and steady progress as keys to the 2025 season

The Pacific University women’s soccer team is setting its sights on steady growth as it enters the heart of the 2025 conference season. Head Coach Kellan McNamara says the focus is on building confidence, developing players, and finding consistency against tough Northwest Conference competition. 

“We had a good preseason, and hopefully we can take a step forward in conference and move up the rankings a little bit this year,” McNamara said in a recent interview with the Index.

Pacific’s preseason schedule was designed with purpose. McNamara and his staff chose matchups that would test the team without overwhelming them, giving players opportunities to both succeed and learn. “We wanted games that were competitive, but also gave us a chance to build confidence,” McNamara explained. “We got that balance— some positive performances, some challenging results, and areas we know we can improve.”

The preseason also allowed for lineup experimentation. Between a few early injuries and the need to evaluate talent, players saw time in different roles across the field. McNamara called it “an evaluation period,” giving athletes chances to prove themselves and form new on-field connections. With a roster that mixes returners and newer faces, one of the key challenges is balancing development with competitiveness. “You want to give younger players opportunities and experience,” he said. “But you also rely on the more experienced players to carry the group. They really integrate with each other, and that’s the part we’re focused on— building cohesion.”

Pacific’s first two conference games have already offered valuable takeaways. While the results were mixed, McNamara sees progress. “We learned a lot in that first game,” he said. “We’re just trying to get better every day and every match. I feel like we’re moving in the right direction.” Looking ahead, he knows the toughest tests will likely come against powerhouses like the University of Puget Sound and Whitworth. “Those are always challenging matchups,” he said. “They’re top programs.”

Still, Pacific isn’t backing down. McNamara stressed that the focus remains on building the team’s identity, while adjusting tactically for each opponent. “It’s about who we are first,” he said, “and then evolving game by game.” As the season continues, Pacific looks to prove it belongs among the Northwest Conference’s contenders— one game, one lesson, and one step at a time.