Columbia, MD - The 2025 season has arrived for Howard Community College athletics, and for women's soccer, it is a chance for a clean slate.
The Dragons finished last season at the bottom of the table in Region 20, going 1-7 with their only win a 3-0 shutout over Allegany College of Maryland under former head coach Jose Benetiz before he left the program. A full rebuild has commenced in 2025 and so far the Dragons have taken major steps forward.
HCC hired
Amanda Elvidge in January to lead the Dragons back to the top of Region 20. She previously played college soccer for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and coached at the club level.
"We're not always going to play pretty soccer, but we're going to be fit," said Coach Elvidge. "That has been our slogan for this season."
Coach Elvidge has emphasized conditioning and fitness for the Dragons this year, with more than half being new freshman players joining the squad. Just three players have returned from last year's squad:
Kaily Ok (Hanover, MD/Marriotts Ridge),
Abi Aguilar (Beltsville, MD/High Point), and
Alexis Smithson (Highland, MD/River Hill). The team also features stars from other HCC sports to round out their numbers; HCC fans will recognize
Avery Richardson (Beltsville, MD/High Point) from women's basketball,
Kafilat Omijori (Lagos, Nigeria/The African Church Model College) from women's flag football, and
Sadia Tariq (Ellicott City, MD/Mount Hebron) from women's cross country.
"Our biggest strength going in to the season is our willingness to learn and improve something every day," said Coach Elvidge. "These girls are willing to show up every day regardless of what happens, and their willingness to work hard is commendable."
Howard's goal for the season is simple: Complete the season. 13 games lie ahead, with crucial matches against powerhouse programs Southern Maryland, Anne Arundel, and CCBC Essex on the docket. The Dragons will play four straight home games to open the season, and will look for opportunities to win against Frederick, Potomac State, and Allegany. They will also look towards September 25, as rival CCBC Catonsville returns to the schedule after a three-year absence.
"We want to make sure that every time we step on the field, we are competing and leaving it all out there," said Coach Elvidge. "Our goal is simply to finish the season."
The Dragons begin their season tomorrow at 4:00 PM with a showdown against the College of Southern Maryland.
