LAKE CHARLES, La. – Officially marking the beginning of the 2023 campaign, the McNeese soccer program reported for fall camp on Monday with meetings in preparation of a midnight practice Tuesday morning.

"The start of the season is always exciting," said head coach Drew Fitzgerald. "This year in particular, we have such an interesting mix of fifth-years, seniors and underclassmen. It'll be fun to see how fast we can integrate the groups and I know everyone is eager to get back on the field together."

Shortly after midnight, at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday morning, the Cowgirls will have their first midnight practice in program history to add excitement to the season. This follows a day of team meetings and preparation on Monday to cover the bases for the upcoming season.

On Saturday, the annual Blue and Gold scrimmage will take place and is open to fans who would like to get a glimpse of the 2023 team.

Following the scrimmage, two exhibitions will take place at home against UL-Lafayette (August 9) and UL-Monroe (August 12). The regular season kicks off at Texas State August 17 at 7 p.m.

The team has 18 members returning, highlighted by Kiana Kukaua, a Southland Conference Second Team selection in 2022, and Rachel Young, who was chosen to the 2022 All-Louisiana Team as an honorable mention. Joining the team are two transfers and 10 freshmen as 10 members of the 2022 squad have departed.

Fitzgerald returns for his eighth season on the pitch leading the program as assistant coach Molly Kuhbacher enters her second year with the Cowgirls. Over the offseason, Fitzgerald brought on another assistant in Juan Yepes who brings a wealth of knowledge of the game.

Last week, the team launched the annual 100 Hundreds fundraiser to raise money for the program with members of the team posting each day to discuss how they've been helped through this cause. All donations go directly to the program and help with travel, nutrition, facility upgrades, equipment/apparel, and player experience.