In the days leading up to the WIAC Tournament, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater women’s soccer team carried a strong sense of connection and confidence. Senior midfielder Summer Curtis said the team’s growth this season had been insane, reflecting on how the Warhawks started strong, faced changes and adapted together.
“We started off really strong in preseason and we’ve been strong throughout the season,” Curtis said. “We had some formation changes and people in new positions, but we took that and really ran with it. Even though it’s been a long season, we’re at our highest, coming off a couple of big wins, and I think we’re going to carry that into the tournament.”
For Curtis, who transferred after four years with Division I Belmont University, joining this team felt special.
“Everyone just really looks out for each other and that’s been the biggest thing for me,” Curtis said. “It’s very inspirational. I think this team deserves everything.”
After early conference setbacks, Montanye focused on keeping his team steady.
“We had to stay focused and not lose sight of what made us successful earlier in the season,” Montanye said. “Since losing our first two conference games, we’ve had to claw our way back, so it’s all about keeping a level head and executing the game plan.”
When tournament play began, the No. 5 seeded Warhawks traveled to No. 4 UW-Stevens Point, who they tied against earlier this season.
The first half remained tight, with neither team scoring. Whitewater broke through in the second half when sophomore forward Brooklynn Carlson finished a sharp setup from sophomore forward Rachel Cvikel and junior defender Anna Gunderson, giving the Warhawks a 1-0 lead. Stevens Point tied the game in the final minute and eventually scored the golden goal in double overtime, ending Whitewater’s season 2-1.
Despite the loss, Montanye said the team’s response to adversity defined their season. “This team has continued to support each other on and off the field when things are going well and especially when we’ve had setbacks,” he said. “They’ve stayed motivated and worked to challenge themselves and each other.”
Curtis said the turning point came when results didn’t match effort early in the season. “Our passion and effort were there, we just weren’t getting the results we wanted,” she said. “That was a big moment for us. We had to stay mindful and not let the downs define us.”
As the postseason approached, Curtis talked about how the team stayed consistent in training and mentality.
“We’ve been doing what we’ve done all season which is putting full effort into practices, staying dialed in, and working off each other,” Curtis said. “We know what to expect now and what to improve on. We just have to stay locked in, which we’ve never had a problem doing.”
Curtis credited leadership and camaraderie for keeping everyone motivated. The team captains have focused on maintaining an upbeat and supportive culture, whether that’s writing notes, doing locker-buddy traditions or reminding the players of the impact they bring to the team. She also credited Montanye for his motivational quotes to keep morale high as well as his use of personal soccer experiences to connect with players.
“Everyone’s real and always there for you, even outside of soccer,” Curtis said. “We’re just a fun group of girls, there’s always energy, always laughter. It makes the game enjoyable.”
Even after the tournament loss, that energy and connection remain at the heart of the Warhawks’ story. This was a season built on growth, trust, and heart that extended far beyond the final whistle.
