When Kevin Dempsey took over as head coach of Wofford Women’s Soccer in February, his main priority was simple: start with a clean slate. In just his first season, Coach Dempsey’s approach has already made an impact. For the first time since 2013, the Terriers went on a six game unbeaten streak.
The key to this success? Moving the needle.
“We discussed moving the needle… as a program, we wanted to get to a place where we really enjoyed being here,” Dempsey said. “I think moving the needle and being competitive in every single game… whether we can win it and tie it or hold on, just an overall feeling of pride in our program. That’s what we want to have at the end of fall.”
Building a sense of family, trust and comfort off the field has been at the core of Dempsey’s mission. For him, these values directly correlate into the Terriers success on the field.
“Feeling a lot of trust between coaches and players and just an environment where everybody felt that they could be themselves and try and be successful,” Dempsey said.
Now, as the Terriers approach the Southern Conference Tournament, that same mindset carries even more weight. Every game matters, and the team’s focus is sharper than ever and their emotions are higher than ever.
With all 10 conference teams earning a spot in the postseason, Wofford’s goal is clear: To keep moving the needle and prove they belong among the top of the competitors in the conference.
“Its time to get out of the 9 (seed) v 10 (seed) game and then go as far as we can in our time. It’s anybody’s tournament,” Dempsey said. “I think other teams are probably feeling like they don’t want to play us because they know they’re going to get a fight.”
As the season continues, the Terriers are en route to a successful season if all the components of moving the needle continue. With milestones already piling up, like the six game unbeaten streak, the Terriers beating rivals Furman University and Julia Grier ‘29 tying the all time rookie record for points, the Terriers are proving they’re a program on the rise.
As the Southern Conference Tournament kicked off on Oct. 28 and continues through Nov. 9, one thing is certain. Under Kevin Dempsey, Wofford Women’s soccer is moving the needle in the right direction and they’re just getting started.
