ELON, N.C. – With the 2016 season starting on Friday, the Elon University women's soccer program and ninth-year head coach Chris Neal announced captains for the upcoming season on Wednesday, August 17. Seniors Alexis de Groot and Sarah Henson, and juniors Grace Bennett and Kendall Ballotti were named and will lead the maroon and gold on the pitch this upcoming season.
 
"This is a very hard-working group of team captains," said Neal. "They've all inspired their teammates and coaches in many different ways. Also, they've proven they are willing to go above and beyond to help the team succeed at the highest level."
 
The Phoenix squad returns 20 players from the 2015 season, which posted a winning record of 9-8-2 and started the year with a Division I era program-best, 7-1-1 mark, in the first nine games. Elon will also infuse 10 newcomers into the fold, which includes nine total freshmen, three of which are international student-athletes, and a graduate transfer. Out of the four captains, de Groot is the only player who is a returning captain, after earning the honor last season as a junior.
 
Elon begins the 2016 season this weekend at Rudd Field. On Friday, August 19, at 4 p.m. the Phoenix will face Charleston Southern followed by a triad matchup against High Point on Sunday, August 21, at 7 p.m.