The Atlantic Coast Conference has been a dominant force in NCAA women's soccer, capturing 27 of the 43 national titles awarded since 1982. Programs such as North Carolina, Florida State, Duke, Virginia and Wake Forest have built dynasties that continue to set the standard for excellence.
As the 2026 campaign approaches, the usual suspects — Florida State, Duke, Virginia and Wake Forest — are again listed among the favorites, with Florida State having claimed three of the last five Women's College Cups and Duke, Virginia and Wake Forest each reaching the College Cup since 2020. Yet the narrative is shifting, as teams that have traditionally been considered dark horses are beginning to stake their claims.
Louisville, under the guidance of head coach Karen Ferguson-Dayes, has assembled a midfield that blends experience with youthful vigor. Midfielders Liza Suydam and Amelia Swinarski accounted for nearly a third of the team's offensive output last season, while the defense posted six shutouts in ACC play. The combination of a disciplined back line and a creative midfield has positioned the Cardinals as a legitimate threat to the established hierarchy.
North Carolina State, after a late‑season surge that nearly secured a berth in the ACC Tournament, returns with forward Jade Bordeleau leading the attack. Bordeleau’s 10 goals last year underscore her ability to change the tempo of a game, and her presence adds a new dimension to the Wolfpack’s offensive arsenal.
Key Players to Watch
Among the standout athletes to monitor are midfielders Liza Suydam and Amelia Swinarski, whose chemistry has been a catalyst for Louisville’s rise, as well as forward Jade Bordeleau, whose scoring touch could prove decisive for North Carolina State. Additional contributors such as goalkeeper AG Gibson, defender Betsy Huckaby, midfielders Erynn Floyd and Karina Peat, as well as forwards Hunter Norton, Liz Eddy, Gary Higgins, Nicole Jodoin and Brielle Baker, are expected to play pivotal roles throughout the schedule.
The implications extend beyond conference play. With the ACC’s reputation on the line, each matchup against traditional powerhouses is viewed as a litmus test for the emerging programs. A deep run in the ACC Championships could not only boost recruiting but also influence national seeding, potentially reshaping the landscape of women's college soccer heading into the postseason.