Lenoir‑Rhyne University’s women’s soccer team opens the 2026 season ranked eighth in the Division II preseason coaches’ poll, a placement that underscores the program’s continued presence among the nation’s elite.
A Tradition of Consistency
The Bears have spent 75 weeks in the top‑25 since the 2010 campaign, a testament to a sustained record of success that began under longtime coach Mike Lucas and has been carried forward by current head coach Justin Maullin in his second year at the helm.
A Coach in His Second Year
Maullin, who took over the program two seasons ago, has already begun shaping a roster that blends experience with fresh talent, setting the stage for a competitive campaign.
Key contributors from the 2025 squad are back, including forward Katie Durham, who led the team in goals, assists and total points, and midfielder Ava Hartman, a Second‑Team All‑Region selection whose vision and work rate have drawn praise from teammates and opponents alike.
Alongside Durham and Hartman, five other 2025 All‑SAC honorees — Mya Rivera, Ingrid Krakhellen and Rosa Gonzalez — return to bolster the midfield and defense, giving the Bears depth and versatility.
The Bears open with a home matchup against Tampa on August 27, 2026, followed by a home game against Concord three days later. A short trip to face the Francis Marion Patriots in Florence, South Carolina, awaits on September 2 before conference play begins on September 5 with a home contest against Carson‑Newman.
Conference play promises tough battles, but the Bears enter the league schedule with momentum and a clear understanding of the opponents they will face.
With a blend of seasoned leaders and promising newcomers, Lenoir‑Rhyne’s women’s soccer team looks poised to add another chapter to its storied history, aiming to climb higher than the eighth‑seed ranking and contend for a deep postseason run.