Slippery Rock girls soccer’s defense, with rookie goalie, frustrating opponents
Sophie Hensel’s reason for returning to soccer this season was unique to say the least.
“A friend of mine, Deeliah Thangiah, played goalkeeper last year for the team,” Hensel said. “She’s really a midfielder, and I felt bad that she was playing out of position.”
So Hensel, despite not playing soccer in five years, decided to try out in 2026.
Second-year coach Matt Purtell wasn’t sure what position he would use Hensel at, but the sophomore was determined to play in net.
Through practices and scrimmages in August, Hensel earned that right. Her performance since has been nothing short of remarkable.
Hensel has allowed just two goals in 15 games for the Rockets (12-1-2), stopping 77 of the 79 shots she has faced.
“We've worked with her on technique-based things, but she’s a really good athlete,” Rockets goalie coach Mike Boyle said. “She also plays basketball, and she gets great hands from that. She doesn’t give up many rebounds. If she gets her hands on it, it’s usually a catch. She also has great awareness of where she is on the field.”
But Hensel is the first to admit that her 0.138 goals-against average is due in large part to very strong play in front of her.
“I haven’t had to make too many hard saves,” she said. “The defense has helped me a lot.”
That group includes center backs Kendall Krenn and Magerie Foulk; outside backs Cam Gercken and Natalie Wilson; and ironically, Thangiah, a holding midfielder.
“All five were starters last year,” Purtell said. “As a unit, they work well together and cover a lot of space. The center backs clean up stray balls and the outside backs have done a great job of not letting the attack get behind them.
“I thought we would be good on defense, but not to the degree we’ve been.”
Being a new goalkeeper, Hensel has had to learn the communication aspect of her position on the fly. Some of the dialogue needed to direct the defense has come from the defenders themselves. The unit’s experience has proved invaluable to Hensel’s development and the team’s success.
“We play with a lot of energy and help Sophie out as much as we can,” Foulk said. “We encourage her and want to give her a strong back line.”
The Rockets face North Catholic on Saturday, then have a rematch with Wilmington on Monday, giving Slippery Rock a chance to avenge a 2-1 loss from Sept. 29, the team's one setback this season.
