As the Head Women's Soccer Coach at Newberry College, Deedee Alexander brings a strategic vision and a deep understanding of the game.

With a focus on improving the team's performance metrics, fostering a culture of accountability and resilience, and promoting a positive and inclusive environment, Alexander is determined to lead her team to success in the 2025 season.

Alexander has set specific goals to guide her team toward achieving their full potential.

She emphasizes the importance of improving the goals scored versus goals allowed ratio compared to the previous season.

Additionally, she aims to enhance the team's fitness levels and testing scores across the entire roster.

By encouraging accountability and resilience, Alexander wants her players to bounce back quickly from setbacks and maintain a strong mental approach throughout the season.

Furthermore, she wants to cultivate a positive and inclusive culture both on and off the field.

"Heading into the season, I believe our team's greatest strengths are our depth, seniority, and culture," said Alexander. "We have strong leadership within our upperclassmen who set the tone in training and matches, while our underclassmen bring energy and hunger that elevate the competitive environment every day."

Culture of accountability, resilience, and inclusivity

To reach these goals, Alexander emphasizes the need for her team to become problem solvers.

She wants them to embrace a "be goldfish" mentality, where they can quickly let go of mistakes and move forward.

By overcoming challenges and adversity, the team can grow stronger and more cohesive.

Alexander recognizes the unique strengths of her team and plans to leverage them throughout the season.

Technically, the team's speed of play in the attack provides multiple options going forward, and defensively, they are organized, physical, and willing to put in the work for each other.

Alexander is most excited about the chemistry and buy-in from the players.

The team has come together and truly believes in the vision they have set for themselves.

Balancing experience and impact

When it comes to leadership, Alexander is fortunate to have strong leaders across each position group.

In the back line, defenders like Sydney Gusewelle bring consistency and organization, ensuring the team stays connected and disciplined.

In the midfield, Ella McDevitt leads by example with her work rate and ability to control the tempo of the game.

Up top, Bella Gonzales provides energy and confidence, pushing the team to stay aggressive.

The goalkeepers also play a vital role as vocal leaders, providing direction and composure under pressure.

Together, these leaders form a balanced core that will be key to the team's success this season.

Alexander is also excited about the newcomers and the depth they bring to the team.

These players add a mix of talent, energy, and hunger that pushes everyone to a higher level.
 
Some of them have the potential to make an immediate impact, whether it's strengthening the back line, adding creativity in the midfield, or providing an attacking spark up front.

What stands out most to Alexander is their competitiveness and willingness to learn, which gives her confidence that they will contribute in meaningful ways this season.

"The energy in training has been competitive and positive, and you can see how much they want to grow both individually and as a unit. I'm also excited about the balance we have—returners who bring leadership and experience, paired with newcomers who add fresh talent and hunger. That mix creates a special dynamic, and I'm eager to see how it translates when we step on the field this season," said Alexander.

Aiming for a successful SAC season

Looking ahead to the SAC race and the challenges of the 2025 schedule, Alexander acknowledges that it will be tough as always.

However, she is confident in her team's abilities and the preparation they have put in.

With the goals they have set, the strengths they possess, and the leadership and talent within the team, Alexander believes they are well-equipped to compete and succeed in the SAC.