Wingate, N.C.----The Wingate University Bulldogs open up the 2025 season this weekend, traveling to South Carolina for a pair of challenging contests, hosted by Lander University. The 'Dogs open the season Friday, at 5 p.m. against Rollins. The Bulldogs take on Florida Tech Sunday at 12 p.m.

Wingate went 6-8-1 last season, posting a 4-7 record in league play. The Bulldogs won the regular season SAC titles in 2022 and 2023. The 'Dogs have made the NCAA Tournament seven of the last nine seasons, advancing to the national quarterfinals in 2019 and winning a pair of games in 2022. The 'Dogs captured the first NCAA Division II title in school history in 2016. Wingate has piled up 22 total conference championships, with 11 of those coming in the last 11 years.

"The preseason has gone well, which was important with so many new players coming in this year," head coach Gary Hamill says. "The guys are are still trying to get adjusted to each other and learning every day. It will take time since we are looking at a completely new team and starting lineup this year."

The Bulldogs were picked second in the preseason SAC poll after winning two of the last three conference titles. "Expectations for the program are always high each year," Hamill says. "We have built a bench mark over the years and winning the league is always top priority. We will have to really learn the day-to-day grind of competing in the SAC, and that will always come with certain adversities along the way."

GOALKEEPER

The Bulldogs have three goalkeepers on the roster, led by freshman Luka Srzic from Croatia. He is joined at the position by junior Cam Hein, along with sophomore Quincy Gibbs.

"Luka will likely start in goal for us," Hamill says. "He has had a good preseason and has had some solid experience prior to Wingate."

DEFENSE

The defense will also be a new unit in 2025, with several newcomers looking to make an immediate impact. "With a completely new look we will start newcomers Kyle McCloskey and Bailey Rhodes, who came in January. They will start in central defense along with Pavlos Charalambous, who was medically redshirted last year. Another redshirt who we will count on defensively will be Simon Curto."

MIDFIELD

The midfield will be led by returner Kimo Lemke, along with another group of newcomers.

"With only one returning starter in Kimo, we will have a new look in the midfield as well," Hamill says. "Camilo Salazar, who transferred in last January, will be key to the new look along with freshman Rudi Little and Havard Kristoffersen. Ben McGonigle is a returner that will also be added to the mix."

FORWARD

The Bulldogs will turn to a pair of freshmen in Jude Enwhistle and David Serdynski at the forward spot, along with returner Joakim Gunnar.

"With having to replace Pablo up front, we have added to quality freshmen in Jude and David," Hamill says. "Close behind is our returner Joakim who we have transitioned to the position and expect to get contributions from him as well."

"We are excited to get started," Hamill says. "It's always difficult to see how much progress we have made over the last couple of weeks until we play quality opposition. As we have done for several years with the opening weekend against powerhouse teams in Rollins and Florida Tech, we want to match up to see where we need to be come November."