As the Emory University women’s soccer team powers through another stellar season, currently ranking No. 2 in the United Soccer Coaches Poll, junior forward Kaitlyn Nimmer has been a driving force for the team. She leads the team in points with 21.
Nimmer burst onto the scene as a freshman with nine goals and was named University Athletic Association Rookie of the Year in 2023. Last year, she led the team in goals and assists with 11 and nine, respectively, continuing to prove herself as a consistent offensive powerhouse. She also set the program record in shots taken and shots on goal, and scored four game-winning goals. The Eagles also had a 10-1-3 record in games where she earned a point, and advanced to the NCAA Final Four for the second time in team history.
Nimmer’s commitment to improving her game shows on the other side of the ball as well. While Nimmer has always displayed offensive strength, women’s soccer head coach Sue Patberg said she sees continued development in Nimmer’s defensive ability.
“Before she was a forward and was always looking to attack,” Patberg said. “Defending was not one of her greatest strengths but attacking was. Now that she’s gotten physically stronger, she’s more confident in her ability to defend. She’s more confident in her ability to win balls that are bouncing around that she’s competing with the defender to win.”
Nimmer’s contributions to the team expand beyond her individual performance in her role as one of the team’s captains. Junior midfielder and defender Madison Teng explained that Nimmer leads by example on the field.
“She always is putting in 100% or as much as she can give in any situation, and that energy really motivates people to also give it their all,” Teng said. “She gives a lot of motivational words and that’s always amazing. But for me, it’s always been her actions on the field. That really motivates me.”
Nimmer said one of her personal goals is to keep improving each year. She said she views stepping up into the leadership role as a major part of that evolution as an upperclassman.
“I always try to build off my performances from the previous years to make sure I’m having a linear career at Emory,” Nimmer said. “Now that I’m a junior on the team, a big goal for me is being a good leader and role model for the team. … With it being my second year as a captain, to make sure I’m being a strong leader for the team while also still playing my best.”
It is not only her leadership skills, but also her attitude and approach to the game that affect the team’s mentality. Teng said Nimmer simply has fun playing soccer, and watching Nimmer’s enjoyment creates a positive atmosphere on the team.
“She’s honestly a really funny person, and that really contrasts with who she is on the field, because she’s very intense,” Teng said. “That contrast really creates a positive vibe because we know when we’re on the field, we get business done, but then off, we’re able to have a good time and just relax and be friends and be teammates.”
Expectations are high this season, following last year’s deep postseason run. Nimmer said her favorite moment of her Emory career came during last year’s NCAA Division III playoffs, where the team bested Loras College (Iowa) 4-3 in a penalty shootout.
“It was getting late in the game and we were just trying to throw numbers forward, and then I threw a shot onto frame and my teammate [junior forward] Emily Woodall was able to finish a header and push us into [penalty kicks],” Nimmer said.
The team hopes to continue their success with many returning key players and six new freshmen who will add to the team’s successful dynamic. This year, Nimmer said she has prioritized building team chemistry and her relationships with her freshmen teammates.
“Just making sure that I stay checked in on them, there’s only six of them so it’s actually pretty easy to be able to converse one-on-one,” Nimmer said. “Making sure you try to have a relationship with everyone on the team is important.”
As the Eagles head into the back stretch of their season, Nimmer will continue to push herself and the rest of the team toward excellence. Patberg said Nimmer’s positive outlook and competitive drive will help the team reach their potential.
“While she’s competing, she’s really having fun and she’s constantly looking to raise the level,” Patberg said. “She has standards and expectations for herself, but for her teammates as well and for the program.”
