“Georgia Soccer 2025 Announces Team Leaders: Kiera Staude, Summer Denigan, and Cate Hardin Named Captains to Lead Bulldogs into a Promising Season”

The University of Georgia’s soccer program has officially ushered in a new era of leadership as head coach Keidane McAlpine unveiled the team’s captains for the 2025 season. Senior defender **Kiera Staude**, junior midfielder **Summer Denigan**, and sophomore forward **Cate Hardin** have been entrusted with the responsibility of guiding the Bulldogs through what promises to be one of the most exciting campaigns in recent memory. The announcement, made during a team meeting ahead of preseason training, solidifies the trio as the heartbeat of a squad brimming with talent, ambition, and championship aspirations.

For Georgia soccer, leadership is more than just an honorary title—it’s a reflection of character, resilience, and the ability to inspire. Staude, Denigan, and Hardin embody these qualities in abundance, each bringing a unique blend of experience, skill, and intangibles that make them the perfect leaders for a team looking to make waves in the SEC and beyond.

Few players in college soccer command as much respect as **Kiera Staude**. The senior center-back, a transfer from North Carolina, has been a revelation for the Bulldogs since arriving in Athens. A two-time NCAA champion with the Tar Heels, Staude brings a wealth of big-game experience and a relentless competitive edge that has elevated Georgia’s backline to new heights.

Staude’s journey to Georgia was one fueled by a desire for growth. After three stellar seasons at UNC, where she started in two national championship victories, she sought a new challenge—one that would test her leadership and allow her to leave an indelible mark on a program. In her first season with the Bulldogs, she marshaled a defense that recorded nine shutouts and conceded fewer than a goal per game, earning All-SEC honors in the process.

But it’s not just her on-field prowess that makes Staude an ideal captain. Teammates and coaches alike rave about her ability to connect with players, her unwavering work ethic, and her knack for delivering in clutch moments. Whether it’s organizing the backline, mentoring younger defenders, or stepping up with a crucial goal on set pieces (as she did in last year’s SEC Tournament), Staude’s presence is transformative.

“Kiera is the kind of player who makes everyone around her better,” said Coach McAlpine. “She’s been in the biggest moments, she knows what it takes to win, and she holds herself and her teammates to the highest standard. When she speaks, people listen.”

If Staude is the defensive rock, **Summer Denigan** is the dynamo who makes Georgia’s midfield tick. The junior playmaker has been a consistent force since her freshman year, combining technical brilliance with a tireless work rate that sets the tone for the entire team.

Denigan’s rise to captaincy is a testament to her growth as both a player and a leader. A former U.S. Youth National Team standout, she arrived at Georgia with high expectations and has exceeded them at every turn. Last season, she led the team in assists while also chipping in with key goals, including a stunning game-winner against Florida that sent the Bulldogs into the SEC semifinals.

What sets Denigan apart is her ability to dictate the tempo of a match. Whether it’s breaking lines with incisive passes, covering ground defensively, or rallying her teammates during tough stretches, she plays with a maturity beyond her years. Her leadership isn’t always vocal—she leads by example, with a quiet confidence that inspires those around her.

“Summer is the heartbeat of this team,” said fellow midfielder Ellie Gilbert. “She’s the one who keeps us connected, who fights for every ball, and who never lets the energy drop. Having her as a captain just makes sense—she’s already been leading us in so many ways.”

Perhaps the most surprising—yet wholly deserved—selection among the captains is **Cate Hardin**. Just a sophomore, Hardin has already established herself as one of the most dangerous forwards in the SEC. Last season, she burst onto the scene with 12 goals, including four game-winners, earning SEC All-Freshman Team honors and cementing her status as a future star.

But Hardin’s impact goes beyond goals. Despite her youth, she carries herself with the poise of a seasoned veteran. Her soccer IQ, relentless pressing, and ability to perform under pressure have made her a favorite among teammates and fans alike. Opposing defenses fear her movement, and her knack for rising to the occasion (evidenced by her hat-trick against Auburn) has already made her a clutch player for the Bulldogs.

Coach McAlpine emphasized that Hardin’s leadership isn’t defined by age but by influence. “Cate has this incredible presence about her,” he said. “She’s young, but she plays with such confidence and intelligence that the team naturally gravitates toward her. She’s a competitor, and that’s contagious.”

Together, Staude, Denigan, and Hardin form a leadership core that covers every facet of the game. Staude provides the defensive stability and championship pedigree, Denigan orchestrates the midfield with precision and grit, and Hardin offers the attacking spark and fearlessness that can change a game in an instant.

Their selection as captains also speaks to the culture that Coach McAlpine has cultivated at Georgia—one that values accountability, unity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging young talent, the Bulldogs are poised to build on last season’s success, where they reached the SEC Tournament semifinals and earned an NCAA Tournament berth.

The 2025 season presents an opportunity for Georgia to take the next step—competing for an SEC title and making a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. With Staude anchoring the defense, Denigan pulling the strings in midfield, and Hardin leading the line, the Bulldogs have the firepower to challenge any team in the nation.

Key matches against SEC rivals like Arkansas, South Carolina, and Alabama will test Georgia’s resolve, while non-conference clashes against top-tier opponents will provide a measuring stick for their national ambitions. The leadership of Staude, Denigan, and Hardin will be crucial in navigating those challenges.

Off the field, their influence will be just as important. Integrating new players, maintaining team chemistry, and upholding the standards of Georgia soccer fall on their shoulders. If their past performances are any indication, they’re more than ready for the task.

As preseason training gets underway, there’s a palpable sense of excitement surrounding the Georgia soccer program. The combination of elite talent, strong leadership, and a cohesive vision has the Bulldogs dreaming big.

For Kiera Staude, it’s a chance to cap her illustrious college career with a legacy-defining season. For Summer Denigan, it’s an opportunity to solidify her place as one of the SEC’s premier midfielders. And for Cate Hardin, it’s the next step in what promises to be a special journey.

One thing is certain: with these three leading the way, Georgia soccer is in great hands. The 2025 season isn’t just about potential—it’s about proving that the Bulldogs belong among the nation’s elite. And if their captains have anything to say about it, this could be the year that Georgia announces itself as a true powerhouse.