CALDWELL, Idaho — After a season that rewrote the record books, The College of Idaho women's soccer team enters the 2025 campaign ranked No. 3 in the NAIA Preseason Coaches' Poll, the highest national ranking in program history. The Yotes, who were also unanimously selected as the top team in the Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) preseason poll last week, are poised to continue their dominance on both the conference and national stages.
The 2024 season saw the Yotes post a remarkable 20-1-2 overall record, including a perfect 12-0 mark in CCC play. Their only loss came in the NAIA semifinals to eventual champion SCAD Savannah (Ga.), capping a run that included the program's first-ever appearance at the NAIA Final Site. Over the course of the season, the Yotes outscored opponents 80-15, averaging 3.48 goals per game while allowing just 0.65. Their offensive firepower was matched by defensive resilience, recording 12 shutouts and limiting opponents to just 7.3 shots per game.
The team returns a wealth of talent, including a pair of All-Americans who were instrumental in last year's success. Eden Makaafi, a junior forward and member of the Tonga national team, scored 16 goals in 2024 which was tied for the team lead and second-most in program history. Her impact was felt in the biggest moments, including a hat trick against Marian (Ind.) in the NAIA Round of 16 and the game-winning goal in the CCC Championship. Makaafi's performance earned her second-team All-America honors, making her the first player in school history to receive an All-American distinction twice.
In the midfield, Kyndra Lyons returns after earning third-team All-America recognition. Known for her ability to disrupt opposing attacks and initiate offensive transitions, Lyons led the team with six assists and was the primary set piece taker. Her pinpoint free kick against Marian helped spark the Yotes' run to the national semifinals.
Also returning is Abbi Roubidoux, who contributed 11 goals and five assists last season. Her efficiency in front of goal and ability to create chances adds another layer to an already potent attack that generated 522 shots and 127 corner kicks over the course of the year.
The Yotes will open the 2025 season at home on August 23 against Dordt (Iowa), with kickoff set for 11 a.m. at Simplot Stadium. The early schedule includes a challenging road trip to Colorado, where they'll face No. 23 Science & Arts and No. 7 John Brown in neutral-site action the first weekend of September.
With a 25-match conference winning streak and a roster stacked with experience and talent, The College of Idaho enters the new season with eyes firmly set on a return to the NAIA Final Site—and perhaps, a shot at the national title.
