8 Reasons Why East Texas Baptist University Soccer Is The Hottest Program In The ASC (2024 Season Breakdown)

The East Texas Baptist University (ETBU) soccer program has firmly established itself as a formidable force in the American Southwest Conference (ASC) in 2024, demonstrating competitive excellence across both the men's and women's teams. This past season, the Tigers showcased a blend of veteran leadership and breakout talent, culminating in significant postseason runs and a remarkable collection of individual honors. The success is a testament to the strategic vision of the coaching staff and the dedication of the student-athletes, positioning ETBU soccer as one of the most exciting NCAA Division III programs in East Texas as of December 24, 2025. The commitment to high-level competition and Christ-centered athletics is evident in every match played at the Cornish Soccer Field. From thrilling rivalry matchups against LeTourneau University to deep playoff pushes, the East Texas Baptist University soccer teams continue to raise the bar. The 2024 campaign, in particular, was marked by the Men's team securing a spot in the ASC Tournament semi-finals and the Women's team boasting one of the conference's most decorated rosters, setting a strong foundation for the upcoming 2025 season.

The Architects of Success: ETBU Soccer Coaching Staff and Key Players (2024)

The foundation of any elite athletic program lies in its leadership. The East Texas Baptist University soccer teams are guided by experienced coaches who have cultivated a culture of winning and academic excellence. Their strategic direction has resulted in numerous All-ASC selections and competitive postseason appearances.

Men's Soccer Program Leadership and Star Athletes

The ETBU Men's Soccer team is led by Head Coach Chris Crawford, who has been instrumental in elevating the program's competitive profile within the conference. He is supported by Associate Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator Jordan Burke, who focuses on bringing in top-tier talent to Marshall, Texas. * Head Coach: Chris Crawford * Associate Head Coach/Recruiting Coordinator: Jordan Burke * 2024 Season Record: 8-10-1 (ASC Tournament Semi-Finalist) * Key All-ASC Players (2024): * Junior Lopez: A dominant offensive force who led the team in ASC awards. * Ryan Lord: Another top honoree, recognized for his exceptional play throughout the season. * Joel Garcia: A dynamic player who earned a weekly ASC Player of the Week award during the season. * Bruno Palmieri: A pivotal player who contributed key goals and assists, showcasing the team's depth.

Women's Soccer Program Leadership and Star Athletes

The Women's Soccer program is led by Head Coach Joey Petrich, who continues to build a robust and competitive team, often featured in the ASC Preseason Polls. The team was projected to finish third in the 2024 ASC Preseason Poll, a testament to the program's consistency and depth. * Head Coach: Joey Petrich * 2024 Preseason Poll Rank: 3rd in the ASC * Key All-ASC Players (2024): The team landed an impressive Eight Players on All-ASC Teams, highlighting the program's overall strength. * Makayla Baxter: A senior defender and a two-time All-ASC award winner, serving as a defensive anchor. * Mallory Duncan: A key offensive threat and a leading player to watch in the conference. * Sarah Ramos: Named to the ASC Players to Watch list, she is a vital part of the team's attack. * Cadence Tischler: The team's goalkeeper, often a crucial factor in securing wins and shutouts.

The 5 Defining Moments of the 2024 ETBU Soccer Season

The 2024 season was filled with high-stakes matches and significant individual achievements that cemented ETBU's reputation in the American Southwest Conference. These moments define the Tigers' recent success and competitive spirit.

1. Men's Deep Run to the ASC Semi-Finals

The Men's Soccer team secured a No. 3 seed in the 2024 ASC Men's Soccer Championship Tournament, a major achievement that demonstrated their ability to compete with the conference's elite. Their journey culminated in a semi-final match, proving the team's resilience and competitive fire against top opponents like Hardin-Simmons University (HSU). This playoff performance is a clear indicator of the program's upward trajectory under Coach Crawford.

2. Women's Program Dominates All-ASC Selections

Perhaps the most telling statistic of the Women's team's strength in 2024 was the sheer number of individual awards. The Women's Soccer program saw eight players earn All-ASC honors, a massive haul that reflects depth across the entire roster, from defense to offense. Players like Makayla Baxter and Mallory Duncan were recognized for their outstanding contributions, showcasing the quality of the program's talent development.

3. The Intensity of the LeTourneau Rivalry Matches

The "I-20 Rivalry" against LeTourneau University is always a highlight of the schedule. These matches are known for their high intensity and physical play. In 2024, the Men's team battled their rival to a hard-fought tie in one match, while the Women's team secured a crucial rivalry win by scoring four second-half goals, demonstrating their clutch performance capability when it matters most. These regional clashes are essential to the program's identity and fan engagement.

4. Men's Team Secures Key Non-Conference Victories

Early in the 2024 campaign, the Men's team registered significant victories, including a crucial win against the University of the Ozarks on September 1, 2024. This victory, secured by two second-half goals, set the tone for the season and proved the team could perform under pressure on the road. Key players like Junior Lopez and Joel Garcia were instrumental in these early-season successes.

5. Academic Excellence and NCAA Division III Standards

Beyond the field, East Texas Baptist University maintains a strong commitment to academics. The soccer programs, as part of the NCAA Division III and the ASC, emphasize the student-athlete experience. ETBU has consistently led the ASC in academic awards, with both the Men's and Women's Soccer teams contributing to this legacy, ensuring that the players are successful both in the classroom and on the pitch.

The Home Field Advantage: Cornish Soccer Field and Ornelas Stadium

The East Texas Baptist University Tigers play their home matches in a dedicated, first-class facility that fosters a true home-field advantage: the Cornish Soccer Field. The Cornish Soccer Field is the dedicated pitch for both the Men's and Women's soccer teams. This facility is part of the larger athletic complex in Marshall, Texas, and is located adjacent to the impressive Ornelas Stadium, the university's football facility. While Ornelas Stadium is the main venue for football, the proximity and shared resources—including dedicated Men's Soccer Locker Rooms and Women's Soccer Locker Rooms—ensure that the soccer teams have access to elite training and gameday infrastructure. The atmosphere at Cornish Soccer Field during an ASC match is electric, especially when the Tigers face conference rivals like UT Dallas or Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB). The intimate setting allows fans to get close to the action, creating a challenging environment for visiting teams. This environment is crucial for the Tigers, who rely on the support of the university and local Marshall, Texas community to fuel their competitive drive. The investment in facilities reflects ETBU's long-term commitment to the success of its NCAA Division III soccer programs.

Looking Ahead: The Future of ETBU Soccer

With the 2024 season's success, the East Texas Baptist University soccer program is poised for an even stronger future. The return of key All-ASC players like Makayla Baxter and Junior Lopez, combined with the continuous scouting efforts of Coach Burke and the stability of the coaching staff, means the Tigers are well-equipped to challenge for ASC Championships in the coming years. The program's focus remains on recruiting student-athletes who embody the university's values, excel academically, and contribute to the competitive environment of the American Southwest Conference. As the 2025 schedules begin to take shape, fans can anticipate more thrilling matches, particularly the highly anticipated rivalry games, as the Tigers continue their quest for conference and national recognition at the NCAA Division III level. The commitment to excellence, both on and off the Cornish Soccer Field, ensures that ETBU soccer will remain a premier athletic program in East Texas.

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