SMU women’s soccer is using spring practice to blend transfers and returners, with Brooke Bunton and Aubrey Brown key to the Mustangs’ ACC push.
SMU women’s soccer knows the challenge waiting in the ACC, and that’s exactly why this spring matters so much.
The Mustangs spent the offseason reshaping the roster, and now Nicole Nelson’s group is focused on building the chemistry needed to survive - and compete - in one of the toughest leagues in college soccer.
That process starts with time together. “It’s a crucial development period, now more than ever, given there is more transition in the roster year to year,” Nelson said.
“The spring is great because we have a lot of hours on the field and with our performance staff.”
For SMU, that means teaching principles, testing lineups and finding combinations that can hold up once ACC play begins in the fall.
Junior goalkeeper Aubrey Brown is one of the central pieces in that work. Brown is entering another battle to claim the starting job, but she’s also taking on a bigger voice behind a rebuilt defensive group.
“Especially in the ACC, chemistry is everything,” Brown said. “Everyone is so organized offensively and defensively.” Nelson praised Brown’s development, saying, “Aubrey is driven to be a top goalkeeper in the ACC.”
The back line around her has a new look. Transfers Jessica Osborne, Ella Zimmerman, Maleeya Martin and Olivia Silcox bring experience from Auburn, Iowa State, Michigan State and Memphis, giving SMU a more seasoned foundation. Nelson said the additions “immediately raised the level,” while Martin said the blend has clicked quickly.
“We all bring our experiences here together and have been able to work together really well,” Martin stated.
Another major boost is Brooke Bunton’s return.
After appearing in only four matches last season, Bunton is back and fresh off captaining the United States U-18 team at the Pinatar Cup.
“She is a tremendous player,” Nelson said, “but her values as a person, her work rate, her drive to be exceptional… are what separate her.”
For Bunton, spring is simple. “I’m really excited,” she said. “I’m ready to put that jersey back on and play with my teammates.”
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