Lenoir‑Rhyne’s women’s soccer program continues to cement its place among the nation’s elite, landing at No. 8 in the United Soccer Coaches preseason poll for the 2026 season. The ranking marks the latest chapter in a streak that has seen the Bears spend 75 weeks inside the top‑25 since the 2010 campaign.
Coaching continuity fuels optimism
Second‑year head coach Justin Maullin, who took the helm in 2024, has built on the foundation laid by his predecessor, emphasizing a balanced attack and disciplined defensive shape. His early tenure already includes a 13‑5‑3 record and an NCAA quarterfinal appearance, underscoring the program’s upward trajectory.
The core of that success returns in the form of All‑SAC honorees Ava Hartman and Katie Durham, who led the team in scoring, assists and overall points last season. Joining them are Mya Rivera, Ingrid Krakhellen and Rosa Gonzalez, giving the Bears a blend of experience and playmaking depth that few programs can match.
The 2026 schedule opens with a home showdown against Tampa on August 27, followed by a road test at Concord on August 30 and a trip to face Francis Marion in Florence, South Carolina, on September 2 before conference play begins on September 5 against Carson‑Newman.
Coach Maullin has framed the early non‑conference fixtures as a laboratory for fine‑tuning tactics ahead of South Atlantic Conference competition, where the Bears will meet familiar rivals such as Coker, Limestone and Carson‑Newman. With a deep roster and a proven track record, the team is poised to extend its top‑25 presence into another championship‑contending season.