CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Queens University of Charlotte Royals are excited to embark upon a new first when the women's soccer team competes in the first NCAA Division I game in Queens Athletics history. The Royals will make history when they take the pitch at Dickson Field facing the UNC Wilmington Seahawks on Thursday, Aug. 18 at 6 p.m.
The atmosphere is set to be electric beginning with a fan fest at 4 p.m. outside the stadium complete with music, games, giveaways, a photo booth, and prizes. Additionally, JJs Red Hots will be in attendance and the first 200 fans will get a Queens Inaugural DI Game patch. The first 50 children in attendance will also receive a 2022 Women's Soccer Schedule poster that the Royals players will be available to autograph post-game. Prior to the opening kick, members of Charlotte Soccer Academy will take part in an international walkout escorted by the participating teams onto the field. Fans are encouraged to bring additional lawn chairs or blankets for extra seating.
Last season, the Royals recorded their winningest season in program history at 16-5-1 while making their third NCAA Championship appearance. They reached the South Atlantic Conference Championship final for a second straight year and took down the University of North Georgia in the opening round of the NCAA Championships. Queens will be led this season by returning all-conference standouts
Erica Turner,
Nia Gaither,
Mia Manuel, and
Jada Palmer.
"It is a special thing to be a part of this transition to Division I at Queens, and to be the team that gets to start it all is that much more thrilling," Queens Head Women's Soccer Coach
Shannon Neely Noel stated. "We have an exceptional opponent in UNC Wilmington coming to play at Dickson Field; it is going to be a very special night. Queens is no longer the 'hidden gem' of Charlotte, and this city is a booming soccer town. It seems perfect that this incredible year is getting started with our women's soccer team. We hope everyone is planning to make it out to be a part of history!"
The visiting Seahawks will arrive in Charlotte for their season opener following a 2021 campaign where they posted an 11-4-1 overall record and a 7-2 mark in Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) play. The Seahawks were picked to finish first in the CAA preseason poll after capturing the regular season crown a year ago. UNCW is led by CAA Preseason All-Conference veterans Talia Parrous, Morgan Nanni, Blair Barefoot and Kayla Burroughs.
Fans can purchase tickets for Thursday's game by visiting the
Royals' ticketing site powered by HomeTown Ticketing. Fans can also purchase tickets by visiting the
2022 Queens women's soccer schedule. Single-game tickets and season passes are available. We encourage fans to visit our
admissions and event page as it contains pertinent information regarding gameday information.
Be sure to follow the Royals women's soccer team on
Twitter and
Instagram to stay up to date on all the latest news and updates surrounding the team. Fans are also encouraged to follow Queens Athletics to stay updated on all the Royals sports teams in action by searching @QueensAthletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
