GAMBIER, Ohio - The Kenyon College men's soccer team enters the 2025 campaign not only with tradition on its side, but with the hunger to write its next chapter in the books. A perennial force in the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) and a familiar presence on the national stage, the Owls return a roster filled with a mix of seasoned leaders and many young standouts ready to leave their imprint on the pitch.

2024 Review

• 13-3-5 overall record, 7-1-2 at home, 6-2-2 away, and 0-0-1 at neutral sites
• 6-2 record in conference matchups, finishing third in conference standings with a total of 18 points trail first place Denison with 20 and second place Ohio Wesleyan with 20
• NCAA Tournament at-large berth: hosted first two rounds before bowing out in PK's versus Connecticut College in the Sweet 16
• Six All-Conference selectees
• Two All-Region honors
• One All-American awardee
• Four All-Ohio Team honorees
• Finished the regular season ranked as the No. 14 team in the United Soccer Coaches' NCAA Division III poll

Coaching Staff
Head coach Travis Wall enters his third year guiding the Owls, already with two NCAA Tournament appearances and a regular-season title to his name. Alongside a new face in Billy Castro who was hired over the summer. Castro will serve as an assistant with plenty of experience in sustaining a nationally-ranked program.
 
NCAA DIII National Preseason Poll
The United Soccer Coaches released their 2025 NCAA Division III Men's National Preseason Top 25 on July 31, placing Kenyon at No. 13. The recognition underscores the Owls' standing as one of the premier programs in the country, following a season that included a Sweet Sixteen appearance, multiple individual accolades, and a top-15 national finish.
 
Returning All-Conference Honorees
Last year's NCAC Newcomer of the year and First-team all-conference honoree, Justin Buchwalter, looks to lead the midfield as a second-year player. Buchwalter's presence was felt from the get go, playing every game with 15 starts. Amounting four goals and two assists on 14 total shots with seven of those on target. Many may refer to him as a "clutch" player, tallying three game-winning goals, trailing right behind former Owl Alem Duratovic who led the team with four. Gabriel Romanenko returns to the pitch for his second-year. As a freshman he was a day one starter in the back line, starting all matches for the Owls. Romanenko was a part of a backline that notched eight clean sheets throughout the season.
 
Returning Statistical Leaders
Issac Cortez will look to feed the number nine position as he comes into the season as a senior. Cortez is the top returning distributor with a total of four on the season. Taylor Lawrence continues to develop as he finds his niche in the attacking half amounting three goals and two assists with 23 total shots, potentially becoming the Owl's top offensive option this season. Owen Boukalik moves into the number one role, although not amounting much playing time, the Michigan native looks to be the new last line of defense.

Schedule Overview

• Season Opener: Friday, August 29, vs. Capital College (7:30 p.m.)
• Home Opener: Sunday, August 31, vs. Edgewood College (1:00 p.m.)
• NCAC Opener: Saturday, October 4, vs. Denison University (3:00 p.m.)

How to Follow
Fans can follow Kenyon soccer  throughout the season via the following links:

• Live coverage (stats and video) - https://athletics.kenyon.edu/live
• Twitter and Instagram - @KenyonSports
• YouTube - @KenyonAthletics