By: by Jessica Steadman
KENNESAW, Ga. – When it was announced that Kennesaw State would take on Wake Forest in the first round of the NCAA Women’s College Cup, it wasn’t a complete surprise that the Owls would be facing another highly-ranked opponent. As a matter of fact, head coach Rob King has always put his team up against strong competition.
Since becoming a Division I member after winning the NCAA Division II national championship in 2003, in just the second year of the program’s history, King has made it a point to play teams with strong histories of success.
In this year’s field, the Owls have, at one point in time, matched up against eight established, winning programs who are once again battling for the Women’s College Cup.
Over the past six seasons, the Owls have played North Carolina, Duke, Florida, Auburn, Florida State, Georgia, Portland and Washington. Two of those opponents, North Carolina and Florida State, are No. 1 seeds in this year’s field. Portland is a No. 2 seed and Florida is a No. 3 seed in this year’s bracket.
“We have never shied away from any opponent,” said Coach King. “We are actually quite grateful when a high profile team agrees to play us. It’s good for our players, the program and it increases the visibility of our university.”
The tradition of playing national powerhouses actually began during the 2003 season, when defending Division II national champion, Christian Brothers, agreed to come to Kennesaw State to play the Owls, who would end up being national champions as the season played to its conclusion.
“To gage yourself you have to have to play the best competition possible,” added Coach King. “We are striving to be the best team so we want to play the best possible schedule.”
With Wake Forest as the Black and Gold’s first round opponent in the national tournament, it makes the fifth Atlantic Coast Conference opponent the Owls have faced. The Owls have also faced five SEC schools as well, coming up with a come-from-behind road win over Alabama.
“Our program prides itself on the level of competition we play,” commented King. “And we will continue to match ourselves against the best level of play we can.”
The Owls chase for the Women’s College Cup begins on Friday evening, Nov. 13 at 5:30 p.m. when they face Wake Forest at Spry Stadium in Winston-Salem, N.C.
