UNCW men’s soccer back with a vengeance and expereience

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY) — The 2025 season is an optimistic one for UNCW men’s soccer following a strong postseason last year.

The Seahawks only won six games and were 4-4 in conference, but still managed to earn a trip to the CAA title game.

Head Coach Aidan Heaney says that was an amazing feat after facing an uphill battle all year.

“We started the season playing an incredibly hard schedule,” Heaney said. “Our schedule was the ninth most difficult in Division I. We played some very good teams, we were the young team. We took the lumps early on. Got to learn from that and grow as a team. That was kind of how we finished the season strong. We feel like we had a very good spring. We look to build on that and we’re excited to get started.”

(Photo: Colton Emswiler/WWAY)

UNCW has not made the NCAA tournament since 2018. Winning the conference gives them an automatic bid and some sweeping changes just might fall in their favor.

“It’s interesting this year because it’s North and South,” senior Jake Shannon said. “We actually play two games against each team in the South. The travel will help. We won’t be traveling as much for games. I think we’re on grass instead of turf. That will probably help us because we play on grass at home.”

(Photo: Colton Emswiler/WWAY)

A year older and more experienced, the Seahawks will look to soar past the competition.

“Just the togetherness we have,” senior Jack Clarkson said. “I think the ability we have to adapt and be coachable is our biggest strength going into the season. I think that’s what’s going to carry us through the rest of the way. We were one kick of the ball away last year, so we don’t want to go back. Winning the CAA, for me, would be a successful season.”

UNCW opens their season at home on Thursday against UMBC.