WEATHERFORD, Okla. – SWOSU Soccer is set to begin the 2023 season on Thursday – its 15th year under head coach Mark Persson and 26th overall as a program.

The Bulldogs return 10 from 2022's championship team including Great American Conference Defensive Player of the Year Tianna Watkins and First Team All-GAC midfielder Sola Tsuruta who was also the conference tournament MVP last season. A pair '22 Second Team All-Conference selections, Claire Torry and Micaella Swain, also return to provide experience to an otherwise young group.

Speaking to the youth – SWOSU has brought in 12 freshmen that make up 50 percent of the 24-player roster.

Coach Persson referenced his youth in the 2023 Great American Conference Media Day earlier this week.

"Overall, we have a strong group. Everyone has the ability to play and start right away. The freshmen group that we have is a good group that works hard. When you look at our starting lineup right now, it's very difficult to pick one right now and that speaks to the youth and the depth we've got."  

One thing for certain is SWOSU will be tested early. The Dawgs have done no favors with early season non-conference scheduling by facing a pair of preseason nationally ranked teams on the opening week of the season and a five-game slate against teams who all won over 11 games last season and combined for 69 total wins.

SWOSU's season opener comes Thursday, Aug. 31 against No. 16 Emporia State at 2:00 pm. On Saturday, they turn around to host No. 7 Dallas Baptist at 1:00 pm.

Conference play begins September 20 where the Bulldogs will look to three-peat as conference champions for the first time in program history. SWOSU has won six of the 12 regular season titles since the formation of the GAC in 2011.

The conference tournament will be held November 9-11 at the top seed's home site. The top four teams in the conference earn spots in the field.

You can watch all of the Bulldog's Media Day appearance below.