CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Fresh off a 1-0 exhibition victory against Belmont, Saturday, Austin Peay State University's soccer team opens its 24th season, and fourth under head coach Kim McGowan, with a 7 p.m. (CT), Thursday match against Vanderbilt at Vanderbilt Soccer Complex.
Austin Peay went 7-6-6 in 2024 and made its second appearance in the Atlantic Sun Conference Championship. The season ended after falling to Bellarmine 4-3 in penalty kicks.
McGowan returns 13 student-athletes from last year's roster, including 2024 United Soccer Coaches Third Team All-Region selection, senior forward Ellie Dreas, and 2024 ASUN All-Freshman selection Kiley Reese.
McGowan added 12 newcomers to her roster, including nine freshmen and three transfers. Freshman forward Taylor Grover highlights the Govs' freshman core after netting the team's first goal of the season – and game-winner – against Belmont, Saturday.
What to Know
- Austin Peay opens its 2025 season at Vanderbilt, Aug. 14.
- It is the first time Austin Peay has played on Aug. 14 – and the earliest season opener in program history.
- It is the first time Austin Peay's soccer team will face a nationally ranked opponent.
- Thursday's match is the first time the Govs have faced an SEC opponent since playing at Mississippi State on Sept. 2, 2018.
- Austin Peay is 6-14-2 all-time in season openers and is 1-1-1 in them under McGowan. That win came against Western Kentucky last season (Aug. 15), where they won 2-1.
Follow The Govs On Social
For news and updates throughout the Governors' 2025 campaign, follow the soccer team on X and Instagram (@GovsWSOC) and Facebook (Austin Peay Soccer). Or check back later at LetsGoPeay.com.
