The Big South Conference unveiled its 2026 preseason awards on Tuesday, spotlighting the athletes who are expected to shape the league’s narrative in the coming months. The announcements come as teams finalize preparations for a competitive schedule that begins in August.
Midfielder of the Year: Kari Powell
Kari Powell, a redshirt sophomore midfielder for High Point University, was selected as the conference’s Preseason Midfielder of the Year for the first time in her career. Her decisive game‑winning goal in last season’s championship not only secured the title but also earned her spots on both the All‑Tournament and CSC Academic All‑District teams.
The Panthers’ dominance was reflected in the preseason poll, where coaches from all nine member institutions placed High Point in first place, collecting seven votes. The poll positioned the team ahead of rivals such as Radford, Longwood and Campbell, underscoring the program’s rising momentum.
Other Preseason Honorees
Samantha Fisher from Longwood earned the Preseason Forward of the Year award, while Caitlyn Nottingham of Radford was recognized as Preseason Defender of the Year. Lexi Radvanyi, also representing Radford, received the Preseason Goalkeeper of the Year honor. Each of these players brings a blend of skill and experience that promises to intensify the conference’s competitive balance.
With the awards announced, attention now turns to how these standout athletes will translate their preseason accolades into on‑field performance. High Point’s coaching staff expressed confidence that Powell’s leadership, combined with the talent surrounding her, will keep the Panthers at the forefront of the Big South race. Meanwhile, rival programs will look to leverage their own preseason honorees to challenge the established hierarchy.