The 2026 Ohio Valley Conference preseason poll has placed the Lindenwood women's soccer team at the summit, projecting 93 points and nine first‑place votes out of sixteen, a clear indication that the program enters the season as the favorite.
A Tradition of Excellence
Lindenwood’s recent history fuels the optimism. After capturing the 2024 OVC Tournament title and finishing runner‑up in the 2025 tournament, the Lions have posted double‑digit win seasons in consecutive years, underscoring a sustained period of dominance.
Central to the preseason buzz are returning standouts goalkeeper Caroline Ritter and forward Anna Johnson, both named Players to Watch. Ritter started every one of the 20 games last season, posting a 0.95 goals‑against average and 87 saves, while Johnson led the team with 12 points, five goals and four game‑winning goals.
The squad will field eight starters from the previous campaign, including four 2025 All‑OVC selections — Mackenzie Compton, Tasneem Dizdarevic, Allison Schrumpf and Alysse Lamb — adding depth and experience to an already talented roster.
Competition remains fierce, with Eastern Illinois projected to finish second with 87 points and five first‑place votes, while Southern Indiana sits third with 77 points. Other contenders such as UT Martin, SIUE, Southeast Missouri and Western Illinois round out a deep and competitive field.
Coaching staff and players alike are leveraging this momentum, aiming to translate preseason expectations into a championship run that could extend the Lions’ streak of sustained success and further cement their place in OVC history.