Coming off back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances in 2001 and 2002, the Mary Washington College women's soccer team returned the majority of its roster for 2003, and the nationally-ranked Eagles had much to be excited about. With 11 starters returning, including All-America defender Kathy Wainwright and all-region defender Rachel Vaccaro, the MWC attack promised to be one of the most formidable Eagles teams in recent years.
Even those lofty expectations seemed modest after the Eagles won their 11th conference championship in thrilling fashion, moved on to their 11th NCAA Championship tournament, and advanced to the Sweet Sixteen with a pair of NCAA Tourney wins, including one on the road against second-ranked Messiah College.
The season got off to a bit of a rocky start, as the Eagles faced perhaps the toughest schedule in the country, with early games against nationally-ranked Elizabethtown College, The College of New Jersey, and Messiab. A pair of home wins against McDaniel College and SUNY Cortland got the Eagles into a groove where they lost just once in a 12-game span, including impressive victories at Lebanon Valley College, Goucher College, and at home against Marymount University.
The Eagles also notched ties against nationally ranked Washington & Lee University, York College, and Salisbury through this streak. Head Coach Kurt Glaeser's troops advanced to its 13th consecutive Capital Athletic Conference championship final after topping St. Mary's College and Salisbury University, and defeating York College on the road to claim yet another conference crown.
In that match, Kathryn Amirpashaie scored the tying goal with just 17 seconds remaining in regulation, and Joeann Walker netted the game winner in the extra period. With an abundance of momentum, the Eagles entered the NCAA Tournament for the third straight year, and sixth time in seven years. After topping Cabrini College, 2-1, in the first round, the Eagles visited Messiah College just two days later, and downed the Falcons, 1-0, on a first half goal from Jessica Hewitt, sending the Eagles to the regional final. A loss against the College of New Jersey in their third game in four days eliminated the Eagles, closing one of the most successful chapters in a storied tradition for MWC women's soccer.