The Gary Higgins era of NC State women’s soccer began much like the season before it ended — with a loss. In their first game under the new head coach, the Wolfpack fell 3-0 to James Madison Friday night, opening a season of rebuilding after a 4-10-4 campaign in 2024.
Higgins joined the Wolfpack following three seasons at East Carolina, where he guided the Pirates to their first conference title.
Since arriving in Raleigh, Higgins has overhauled the program’s staff, bringing in two assistants from his alma mater, Lenoir-Rhyne. Combined with a roster returning just eight goals from last season, the changes signaled a complete rebuild.
“First game, new program, new faces, new coaching staff, and you could definitely see there was some nerves there,” Higgins said. “But [I’m] really proud of the second-half performance. They didn’t give in. They kept on chasing.”
Earlier this week, Higgins announced senior goalie Olivia Pratapas and senior defender Brooklyn Holt as the team captains. Both played more than 1,100 minutes last fall.
“They’ve got natural leadership abilities,” Higgins said. “They care about this place. They care about NC State, so that’s important to us. I’m really excited about them leading the program. Hopefully they can help us make progress and take steps forward.”
Pratapas conceded a goal just 10 minutes into the game — the first of three — after averaging 1.2 goals allowed per outing last season. The Clemmons, North Carolina, saved a career-high 71 shots last fall, but only stopped two versus JMU.
However, the Dukes finished with five shots on goal — including an own goal from the Wolfpack — which hardly reflects the defensive struggles the scoreboard suggests.
NC State managed six shots on goal of their own, including two from junior forward Jade Bordeleau, who led the 2024 squad in shots.
“I think we created enough chances to get at least one in there,” Higgins said. “One goal obviously would change the game … 2-0 is a dangerous score. So if we get that goal, it changes the momentum.”
Friday’s opener offered few immediate results, but for Higgins, the season is less about quick turnarounds and more about laying a foundation. With a rebuilt staff, a new leadership core and a young roster, the Wolfpack’s progress will be measured in small steps rather than the scoreboard.
“We’re building something here,” Higgins said. “It’ll take some time.”
The Wolfpack travel to ECU on Sunday evening to take on Higgins’ former school.
“We don’t have time to sulk or feel sorry for ourselves,” Higgins said. “We’ve got to recover, dust ourselves off and go again on Sunday.”
Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. in Greenville.