Women's Soccer Added to Intercollegiate Offerings

Women's Soccer Added to Intercollegiate Offerings

SOUTH PRINCE GEORGE, VA -- Richard Bland College of William & Mary Director of Athletics Scott Newton announced the addition of women's soccer as the College's 6thNJCAA Division I intercollegiate sport on Monday afternoon. 

The Statesmen will begin competing in the fall of 2019 as a member of the Region X Conference. With the addition of Richard Bland, Region X now sponsors women's soccer for nine schools, including Cape Fear, Louisburg, Spartanburg Methodist, USC Salkehatchie, Wake Technical, Patrick Henry, USC Lancaster, and USC Union. 

"The addition of women's soccer falls in line with the College's goal of creating a positive student experience," said Newton. "The Athletics Department is excited about adding exceptional student-athletes to campus and welcomes the leadership attributes these student-athletes possess."

At all playing levels throughout the country, women's soccer is experiencing record growth, making the addition of the sport a natural fit at RBC. "Since intercollegiate athletics returned to Richard Bland in 2013, the College's athletics teams have won national and regional championships, bringing great energy and pride to our campus community," said President Debbie Sydow. "Richard Bland is now poised to add women's soccer, which provides additional opportunities for talented student-athletes to attend and excel at RBC."

The Statesmen women's team will be coached by Damien Westfield, who led the men's team to a 14-3-2 record in his first season last year, the second most wins in school history. Westfield will assume duties as Director of Soccer Operations and serve as head coach of both programs.  

"This is an exciting and great opportunity to be part of starting and leading RBC's first women's soccer program," said Westfield. "The College has already received interest from prospective women's soccer players that will make the program synonymous with academic achievement and athletic excellence within the region. Region X is a competitive conference and women's soccer intends to be competitive from the start."

Richard Bland sponsors six NJCAA Division I programs, including men's soccer, women's volleyball, men's basketball, men's golf, and softball. 

Interested student-athletes can contact head coach Damien Westfield for more informatio