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With every victory, the Wisconsin women’s soccer team is making a name for itself. The excitement about the team is building as more and more Badger fans get to see them play.

“I think we’re beginning to create a great product,” UW head coach Paula Wilkins said at her Monday press conference. “We hope people are out there to support us, especially in our Big Ten run.”

Wisconsin (6-2-1) has given its home fans plenty to cheer about this season, getting off to a 4-0 start at home while outscoring opponents 11-1. Currently in the middle of a four-game home stand, the Badgers begin Big Ten play this weekend.

Much of the success for Wisconsin has come through the strong play of its young core of players. The starting lineup Sunday for the Badgers featured three sophomore defenders and four freshmen in the midfield and up front.

“The enthusiasm this group is bringing and the ability that they’re taking baby steps […] is so exciting, I think, for the upperclassmen and for myself,” Wilkins said. “If your freshmen are doing most of the scoring or producing most of the scoring, I think for the future of the program that looks great.”

Confidence is key in conference play

Since confidence is one of the most important aspects of the game for such a young UW team, Wilkins has given it more emphasis .

“We’ve had slow starts because they sort of wait for other teams to dictate the pace, and I’m trying to convince them to do different,” Wilkins said. “So, I think for the Big Ten, [confidence] is going to be important.”

The start of the Big Ten season will be a tough test for the team’s psyche as they face some of the top schools in the conference. Wisconsin opens its conference slate this weekend against No. 23 Illinois (6-3-1) and Purdue (6-3-1).

“If you look at our Big Ten schedule, the start is probably the best teams in the conference,” Wilkins said. “We’re going to get our feet wet really fast, and I think that’s going to help us at the end of the season.”

Walsh leading young team

One person who has been essential to the progression of the young Badgers is senior co-captain Taylor Walsh. Walsh has been a great vocal leader for Wisconsin as well as leading by example as the team’s leading goal scorer, despite missing the last three games with a knee injury.

“Taylor has been one of the reasons why we’ve been successful,” Wilkins said. “When young players come in… upperclassmen can feel threatened. I think she has done the exact opposite; I think she truly believes in building this program and leaving a legacy as a leader.”

More specifically, Wilkins said, Walsh has developed a great on-field relationship with freshman Laurie Nosbusch. The two have worked well together thus far, combining for 11 of the Badgers’ 21 goals.

“[Taylor] is the biggest fan of Laurie Nosbusch right now, who is doing quite well,” Wilkins said. “It’s great to see that because I think it’s when they buy into the program and not just their own accolades. I think most of Taylor’s goals have come from Laurie, so I think that sort of relationship has paid off.”

UW improving every game

As the Badgers get set to begin conference play, they hope to find their place among the top teams in the Big Ten. So far, however, the team’s play has not been consistent enough for Wilkins’ liking.

“It’s sort of any given day right now; it’s been an exciting roller coaster ride,” Wilkins said. “I always say that we put together 45 minutes of a good half and then 45 minutes of a poor game.”

Based on her team’s play so far, Wilkins believes Wisconsin could play an important role in how the conference shapes up toward the end of the season.

“Every game they make me believe more and more, and they do some amazing things and sometimes you go like, ‘What the heck just happened there?'” Wilkins said. “But that’s part of why I came here is building the program and like I’ve said before, these guys — they make you want to get out there and coach and make them better. You can’t ask for anything more as a coach.”