THE HILL | As Prince Borde enters his fourth season leading the Alabama A&M University women's soccer program, the Bulldogs' head coach sees a team equipped with something that could help it take the next step — depth.
 
After consecutive appearances in the Southwestern Athletic Conference Tournament semifinals, Borde believes a talented group of returners combined with an influx of newcomers has Alabama A&M positioned to contend for even more.
 
"We've got more talent and a deeper team than last season," Borde said. "We have 20 returning players and nine new freshmen who are very talented."
 
For Borde, however, building a championship-caliber roster involves more than adding talent. Integrating the newcomers into the program and establishing chemistry throughout the roster are equally important.
 
That chemistry could prove critical for a program that has been knocking on the door of the SWAC championship match.
 
"For the past couple of seasons, we have gone to the semifinals, so our goal is to reach the SWAC finals this season," Borde said. "One thing that's going to help us make a good run in the long run is staying in shape and healthy."
 
Borde's teams have developed an identity built around attacking, applying pressure and playing with relentless effort. He wants the Bulldogs constantly looking for opportunities to create chances and find the back of the net.
 
But underneath that attacking philosophy is a larger message.
 
Borde wants his student-athletes to appreciate every opportunity they have to compete.
 
"I just want them to play every moment like it's their last," Borde said. "That's always been my philosophy because tomorrow isn't guaranteed. I want them to play with that mentality, but also remember in the end that it's just a game."
 
That approach extends beyond what happens during 90 minutes on the field.
 
For Borde, the culture Alabama A&M has established within the program is one of its greatest strengths. It is a culture centered on togetherness, accountability and what he describes as "excellence with love."
 
"It's oozing with us when we talk about excellence with love," Borde said. "They're just trying to do everything the right way and be united as a group.
 
"The team culture is great. We feel like we have developed a program. If you want to win, players want to win. The administration wants to win. Everybody wants to win."
 
After back-to-back trips to the SWAC semifinals, Borde and the Bulldogs understand what is required to put themselves in position to compete for a championship.
 
Now, with experience returning, talented newcomers joining the program and a culture Borde believes has taken root, Alabama A&M is looking to turn that foundation into the program's next step forward.
 
For complete coverage of Alabama A&M Athletics — The Rocket City's only Division I program — visit the official home of the Bulldogs at aamusports.com. Follow Alabama A&M Athletics on Instagram (@aamuathletics), Facebook (aamubulldogathletics), X (@_aamuathletics) and TikTok (aamuathletics).