The 2026 Patriot League women's soccer preseason poll placed the Army West Point Black Knights at the summit, awarding them 77 points and six first‑place votes, a clear signal of the team’s anticipated dominance heading into the season.
Joining the Black Knights on the all‑league preseason squad were standout athletes from Boston University, Colgate and several other programs, underscoring the competitive depth across the conference and highlighting the blend of experience and emerging talent.
Award Winners and Team Selections
Individual honors were distributed to four Army West Point standouts: Bella Conti was crowned Forward of the Year after dishing out eight assists in 2025, while Nadia Zaffanella earned Midfielder of the Year for her scoring impact at Lafayette, Helene Tyburczy captured Defender of the Year for anchoring Boston University’s back line with a league‑leading ten shutouts, and Ella Poppinga was selected Goalkeeper of the Year for her shot‑stopping prowess, highlighted by four clean sheets last season.
The preseason All‑League team reflects both athletic promise and academic rigor, featuring a blend of veterans and newcomers. Army West Point contributed four members, Boston University three, and Colgate added one, while the remainder were spread among Navy, Bucknell, Lehigh and other institutions, illustrating the conference’s balanced competitive landscape.
Looking Ahead to the Season
With the preseason accolades setting a high bar, the Black Knights and their rivals are poised to translate early recognition into on‑field success. The Patriot League continues to stress academic excellence, requiring its student‑athletes to meet stringent scholarly standards alongside their athletic commitments, a combination that defines the conference’s unique identity.