Red Devils Roundup: LCC women's soccer picks up first win at NWAC Friendlies

Heating Up – Lower Columbia College volleyball gears up for opener; softball players earn NFCA honors

The Lower Columbia College women’s soccer team works through their pregame paces prior to a match at the NWAC Friendlies on Aug. 19 in Salem, Oregon. The Red Devils return just two players from the 2024 season in Steven Evans’ first season as head coach. / Photo courtesy of Daniel Acosta

By Rick McCorkle and Jordan Nailon for Blast Zone Media / blastzonenews@gmail.com

NWAC WOMEN’S SOCCER

With just two returning players, a talented crew of 16 freshman, and a new head coach the Lower Columbia College women's soccer team has been busy building a new identity after falling to Spokane in last year's Northwest Athletic Conference quarterfinals.

The overhauled Red Devils will be operating under a new coaching staff led by head coach Steven Evans. Former LCC head coach Joe Chicks, along with former assistant coach Bob Ludahl, are now at Mount Marty University in Yankton, South Dakota. Before departing, Chicks raided the LCC cupboard, taking 15 players with LCC ties including five signees.

“For me initially, we really didn’t have much of an idea of where we were going to be at,” Evans said. “Our mentality to start was just to put our heads down and work hard and see what happens when we get to the games.”

Evans comes to the Red Devils with a solid coaching background. After completing his playing career with the Portland Timbers USL Pro team, he returned to his alma mater, the University of Portland where he served as an assistant coach. He has also served as a youth soccer coach for Westside Metros FC in the Portland area.

Most recently, he coached the girls soccer team at Ridgefield High School, where he led the Spudders to back-to-back WIAA 2A State titles.

“My philosophy has always been to develop while winning,” Evans explained. “My job is to help all of these ladies improve their individual games and get to the next level. And at the same time, we’ve got to remember there’s a team and we’re trying to be successful on that level.”

Joining Evans coaching staff is former LCC head coach Max Anderson, along with and Brady Anderson. Longtime LCC assistant coach and former head coach Harlan Cruser has retired from coaching. Cruser was responsible for keeping the team intact during the transition between head coaches.

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