THOMASVILLE, Ga.– The Thomas Night Hawks are ready to breakout in a crowded SSAC in 2026.
Sergio Rapuano was tapped to take over the program, bringing in a wealth of experience at several levels of competition.
Going into the season, Rapuano his expectations for the team clear for his first season.
"My expectations for this season begin with the process rather than the results," Rapuano said. "We have brought together a group of young women from different backgrounds, experiences, and cultures, and our first priority is building a team that is connected, accountable and committed to one another."
From an on-field perspective, Rapuano is not measuring success by just wins and losses, but on the growth of the team throughout the season.
"From a soccer perspective, I expect us to compete every single day, whether that is in training or on game day," Rapuano said. Success is not always measured by wins and losses alone. It is measured by our growth, our consistency, our ability to overcome adversity, and the standards we establish for ourselves. If our players commit to the process, invest in each other, and embrace our culture, the results will take care of themselves."
The team brings back several veterans including mainstays such as Pearl Mortimer, Alicia MacLeod and Jule Rohleder. Along with younger players Mistie Fox-Barker, Isabelle Gabrielsson, Matthildur Traustadottir and Makenna Casner, all of which started or played in the majority of games as freshmen last season.
They also bring serious depth between the sticks with Chantelle Thomson and Kennedi Warren-Young who bring plenty of game experience after sharing goalkeeping duties last year.
"We have several returning players whose experience and leadership will be critical," Rapuano said. "We will lean on those players to set the standard each day, help our younger athletes understand our expectations, and provide stability during difficult moments throughout the season."
Additionally, Rapuano is ready to see how the newer players will contribute this season.
"We are also excited about our incoming players," Rapuano said. "Recruiting is about bringing in individuals who fit our culture, work ethic, and vision for the program. While it is unfair to place too much pressure on newcomers before they have played a match, there are several athletes who have the talent and character to make an immediate impact."
Of the newcomers to the team, they include a few transfers in Jordyn Keene from nearly D-II Albany State, Elizabeth Morgan from Shorter University and a returning Mikayla Voyles from SSAC member ABAC.
The Night Hawks' schedule will be tough off the bat as they'll face early challenges against SCAD-Savannah, XULA, William Carey and Life in four of their first six games.
Then in early October, they'll tee it up with UT Southern and D-II Middle Georgia State before a three game homestand. Then Thomas will end the season on the road against Point and Andrew College.
"Every game on our schedule contributes to our journey and helps shape our identity," Rapuano said. "Our approach will be to respect every opponent, prepare thoroughly, and focus on becoming the best version of ourselves."
The Night Hawks were picked to finish eighth in the SSAC, and they open their season on the road against Florida College on Saturday, August 22nd.
