I still remember the first time I watched BYU Soccer's training session last spring—there was this electric energy that reminded me why I fell in love with collegiate sports in the first place. Having covered various teams across different leagues for over a decade, I’ve rarely seen a group so visibly united by both talent and purpose. And that’s exactly what struck me about the arrival of Santiago and her powerhouse teammates, including Dindin Santiago-Manabat, Audrey Paran, Jorelle Singh, Jasmine Nabor, and Risa Sato. These aren’t just skilled athletes; they represent a carefully crafted strategy aimed at restoring BYU’s legacy in collegiate soccer. The blue-and-hold faithful, as many loyal fans call themselves, finally have tangible reasons to believe that the team’s lost glory isn’t just a nostalgic memory—it’s a realistic goal for the 2023 season.
Let’s talk about what makes this roster so special. Santiago’s presence alone brings a layer of offensive creativity that BYU has been missing for at least two seasons. I’ve watched replays of her previous matches, and her ability to read the game is simply exceptional—something that can’t always be taught. But what truly excites me is how she complements players like Jasmine Nabor, whose midfield control and distribution stats last season averaged around 85% pass accuracy. That kind of synergy doesn’t happen overnight. From what I’ve gathered through insider sources, the coaching staff spent nearly 200 hours analyzing game tapes and player profiles to build this cohesive unit. It’s a blend of youth and experience, with Risa Sato offering defensive stability—she recorded an average of 4.5 interceptions per game in her last stint—while Audrey Paran adds explosive speed on the wings. Honestly, I think this might be one of the most balanced squads BYU has fielded in the last five years.
Now, shifting gears to the upcoming schedule—because strategy only matters if it’s tested under real pressure. The 2023 season kicks off with a home game against rivals Stanford on August 26, and I’ll be there, notebook in hand. That match will set the tone, no doubt. Then, BYU faces a challenging three-game road stretch against UCLA, USC, and Oregon—a segment that could make or break their confidence early on. Personally, I’m most looking forward to the October 14 showdown against Washington. It’s a night game, under the lights, and historically, BYU has struggled in those conditions, winning only 40% of their evening matches over the past three seasons. But with the depth this roster offers—especially with players like Jorelle Singh coming off the bench—I’m optimistic they can flip that narrative.
What many fans might not realize is how much behind-the-scenes work goes into optimizing player rotations and recovery, especially during back-to-back matches. I spoke with one of the fitness coaches last month, and he mentioned they’ve implemented new monitoring tech that tracks player fatigue levels in real-time. This allows the staff to adjust training loads dynamically—something I believe will pay off during that grueling mid-September stretch. For instance, they’ve scheduled lighter drills the day after intense matches, reducing injury risks by what they estimate to be around 15%. It’s these small, data-informed adjustments that often separate good teams from great ones.
Of course, strategy isn’t just about who’s on the field or how they’re managed—it’s also about mindset. I’ve attended several team huddles, and the leadership from veterans like Dindin Santiago-Manabat is palpable. She brings this calm intensity that resonates with younger players. During one practice, I overheard her mentoring a rookie on positioning—it’s those intangible elements that stats sheets don’t capture but that genuinely shape a team’s identity. And let’s be real: in high-stakes games, that mental fortitude often proves decisive. I’ve seen teams with superior technical skills crumble under pressure because they lacked that cohesive spirit.
As we look ahead, BYU’s path to reclaiming prominence hinges on executing their strategic blueprint consistently. The integration of new talents with existing core players, a thoughtfully planned schedule that balances challenge and recovery, and a renewed sense of belief among players and fans alike—it’s a recipe I find compelling, even if there are hurdles ahead. Will they go undefeated? Probably not. But I’d wager they’ll finish the regular season with at least 12 wins, maybe even clinch a playoff berth. For the first time in years, the buzz around BYU Soccer feels justified, not just hopeful. And as someone who’s followed their journey through highs and lows, I’m convinced this season will be one to remember.