As the BGSU women’s soccer team approaches the end of its first fall season under new head coach Chris Fox, senior defender Isabelle Gilmore and fifth-year midfielder Lexi Czerwien are influencing the team’s culture as veterans and leaders.

Gilmore, who is in her fourth season with the Falcons, and Czerwien, who is playing her third year with BG and her fifth collegiate season, have witnessed the women’s soccer program evolve through multiple player and coaching changes.

“I would say in the past, it was just the captain’s voices, that’s all you heard. This year, it’s a collective group,” said Gilmore. “You’re not just hearing from the upperclassmen, but the underclassmen have a voice too, which helps with team chemistry.”

Czerwien plays a vital role in shaping the team’s standards.

“In the past, the standards were often driven by coaches, but as a team, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to drive those standards,” Czerwien explained.

With the Falcons for three years now, Czerwien has gained valuable experience, making her a key leader.

“In a position of leadership, I’ve been forced to take on bigger responsibilities and hold myself more accountable,” Czerwien said.

Being a captain involves the responsibility of mentoring younger players. 

“I was lucky to have great mentors in my first three seasons,” Gilmore said. “I’ve taken a lot of what they taught me and tried to implement it with the new girls.”

To help newcomers feel included, Gilmore organizes team dinners and activities. 

“We don’t see them as freshmen; we see them as equals,” Gilmore said. 

The team also fosters relationships across the team by dividing members into six “families,” each led by upperclassmen.

“That’s where we started developing the relationships,” Gilmore said.

The team is also looking to new head coach Chris Fox for leadership and has seen a shift in its dynamics and structure. It has become more possession-dominant, and the players are adjusting to new strategies and communication styles.

“He takes the time in preseason and season to show us exactly what he wants. It’s helpful because we’re not guessing,” Gilmore said. 

Czerwien agreed.

“He has a PowerPoint for everything, and his game model is super detailed. But when it comes down to it, those details are super important,” Czerwien said.

With both Czerwien and Gilmore in their final year, they are confident about the team’s future.

“I see the program heading in a really good direction. With Chris’s style of play, we are playing the best soccer we have in the past couple of years,” Czerwien said.

When asked about future leaders, both players highlighted Taylor Green. 

“She teaches me things on the field all the time, which is awesome for a sophomore. This team is fortunate to have many potential future leaders,” Gilmore said.