Preseason All‑ACC Selections
The Atlantic Coast Conference unveiled its preseason All‑ACC women's soccer team this week, and Duke’s attacking force Mia Minestrella and defensive anchor Cameron Roller have both secured spots on the prestigious list.
Minestrella, a senior forward from Redondo Beach, California, continues to rewrite the Blue Devils’ record books. Over the past two seasons she has tallied 30 goals and 72 points, including a 18‑goal, five‑assist campaign in 2025 that earned her United Soccer Coaches All‑America honors and a College Sports Communicators Academic All‑America selection.
Roller, a stalwart in the back line, has started 53 consecutive matches for Duke and helped the team compile 29 shutouts during her career. Her consistency earned her a 2024 United Soccer Coaches All‑American nod and a CSC Academic All‑America award in 2024.
Duke entered the ACC Preseason Coaches Poll with 224 points, landing third behind Notre Dame (239) and Stanford (233). The poll reflects the respect coaches have for the Blue Devils’ depth and experience heading into the new campaign.
Coaching Outlook
Head coach Kieran Hall, now in his second season, will rely on eight returning starters from the 2025 NCAA College Cup squad. Hall emphasized the blend of talent and work ethic that defines this year’s roster.
The Blue Devils will test their mettle in two exhibition fixtures before the regular season begins. On August 5 they host Wake Forest at Freeman Field at Koskinen Stadium, followed by a match against the Carolina Ascent on August 8. Both games are open to the public at no charge.
The regular season kicks off on August 12 with an away contest against Southern California, scheduled for 9 p.m. ET. The team will travel across the country, facing new opponents and aiming to translate preseason optimism into on‑field success.