Gwynedd Valley, Pa. – (8/30/2024) – Gwynedd Mercy University Head Women's Soccer Coach Michael Nelms and his Griffins are pleased to announce their special event schedule for the 2024 season. During the 2024 season, the Red and Gold are offering some special community events in concert with their home schedule. "We love it when the whole Gwynedd Mercy community comes out to support us," said Coach Nelms. "This year we want to share the love we get with some folks who deserve it. So, we have a clothing drive, a couple youth teams, and a mental health night with Abbey's Bakery that is inspired by one of our newest Griffins, Natalie Morris."
 
Gwynedd Mercy University opens their 2024 season on Friday, August 30, with a 4:00 p.m. home contest versus Penn State Brandywine. The affair is the University's only home contest on the opening day of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) competition for the 2024-2025 academic year and is sure to draw attention from the Red and Gold faithful. Following the contest, Coach Nelms invites one and all for a pizza tailgate.
 
On Wednesday, September 11, Gwynedd Mercy University welcomes girls from FC Bucks to the Athletic Complex to serve as honorary captains for a 7:00 p.m. showdown with Rosemont College. The FC Bucks members will join the Griffins for a pregame meet and greet before accompanying them in an international walk-out for the evening's opening announcements and National Anthem.
 
A similar scenario will play out on Wednesday, October 9, when Gwynedd Mercy University welcomes U-14 Plymouth Whitemarsh Girls' Soccer to Athletic Complex for a 7:00 p.m. battle with their newest Atlantic East Conference (AEC) rival, Pratt Institute of Technology.
 
In between, the Gwynedd Mercy University women's soccer team is partnering with Morgan's Message and Abbey's Bakery for a Mental Health Awareness Night. The evening is spearheaded by junior midfielder/forward Natalie Morris (Boyertown, Pa.), "Mental Health is important to everyone. I want everyone to know there is help out there and no one should have to battle mental health on their own." Morgan's message aims to amplify stories, resources, and expertise to strengthen student-athlete mental health to build a community by and for athletes to experience peer-to-peer conversations and provide a platform for advocacy. Founded in 2020, Abbey's Bakery was established to honor the life and legacy of Abbey Wolf. Known to her friends and family as "A little Martha Stewart", Abbey was happiest when she was baking. She found peace when she was working in the kitchen and the joy when she shared her delicious treats with friends and family. Sadly, Abbey also silently battled depression and anxiety that eventually led to her suicide at just 14-years old. "Student-athletes are humans and some of them struggle with mental health. By partnering with these two great organizations, we can help others who may be battling in silence too."
 
This contest will also feature U-12 Upper Dublin Girls' Soccer as honorary captains. Members of U-12 Upper Dublin Girls' Soccer will join the Griffins for a pregame meet and greet before accompanying them in an international walk-out for the evening's opening announcements and National Anthem.
 
The grand finale of the 2024 Gwynedd Mercy University women's soccer promotional schedule is Saturday, October 19, when the Griffins host AEC rival, Neumann University for a 3:00 p.m. Senior Day contest. Prior to kickoff, the Red and Gold faithful will gather to honor the collegiate careers of senior captains, Jordyn Basile (Quakertown, Pa.) and Bethany Beinlich (Forksville, Pa.). Following the contest, Coach Nelms invites family and friends of Gwynedd Mercy University women's soccer for a tailgate in honor of the graduating seniors.

This game will also serve as the backdrop for Gwynedd Mercy University Women's Soccer Clothing Drive. All in attendance are encouraged to bring any lightly used clothing for the Griffins to donate to A&E Clothing Corporation. A&E Clothing Corporation strives to provide a good quality of new or used clothing to developing countries. Since 1998, they have been providing schools, clubs, organizations, teams, and religious affiliated organizations with a simple way to raise funds for their programs.
 
The 2024 AEC Women's Soccer Championship is scheduled for Saturday, November 9, with semifinals and first-round contests respectively scheduled for Wednesday, November 6, and Saturday, November 2.
 
"We are excited to get the 2024 season underway," said Coach Nelms. "We hope everyone can make it out to a game, or two, and support this great team and some other great people out there, who are doing great things!"