Date of Award
Winter 2-23-2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Kinesiology (PhD)
Department
Kinesiology
Abstract
This study quantified and compared the internal and external match-play demands of female community college soccer players by position during competitive match play. Using a retrospective observational design, GPS- and heart-rate–derived data were analyzed across eight regular-season matches from one NJCAA Division II women's soccer team. Nineteen outfield players were classified as defenders, midfielders, or forwards. Internal load was assessed using heart-rate metrics and time spent in intensity zones, while external load was measured using total distance and proprietary workload metrics. Linear mixed-effects models were employed to evaluate positional differences while accounting for repeated measures. Results revealed clear positional trends in external workload, with midfielders demonstrating the highest total distance and workload, followed by defenders and forwards; however, internal load measures were relatively similar across positions. These findings suggest that physiological strain during match play may be influenced by tactical roles and substitution patterns rather than movement demands alone. This study contributes novel applied evidence to the limited literature on female NJCAA soccer athletes, underscoring the importance of position-specific load monitoring to inform training, recovery, and athlete development at the community college level.