The Sun Belt Conference has released its 2026 women's soccer preseason awards, revealing a coaches' poll that crowns James Madison as the clear favorite for the upcoming season.
Preseason Favorites and Poll Insights
According to the poll, the reigning East Division champion Old Dominion follows in second place with 173 points, while South Alabama, the previous season's top‑seeded team, slides to third with four first‑place votes and 171 points.
James Madison's forward Ginny Lackey earned Preseason Offensive Player of the Year after topping the conference with 28 points as a third‑year starter, and Old Dominion's defender Ashlynn Kulha was selected Defensive Player of the Year for her fourth‑year impact that helped the team limit goals. Midfielder Miku Kurihara of Louisiana received Midfielder of the Year honors after leading the Ragin' Cajuns in scoring during her debut season, while goalkeeper Sierra Giorgio of South Alabama was named Goalkeeper of the Year, ranking ninth nationally in save percentage and topping the conference in shutouts.
Championship Outlook
The 2026 Sun Belt women's soccer championship will be staged in Foley, Alabama, from November 9 through 14, marking the eleventh consecutive year the event has been hosted in the city.