The South Bend Tribune’s preseason girls soccer predictions for the 2025‑2026 season reveal how recent class and sectional realignments are reshaping postseason expectations across northern Indiana.
Penn The Kingsmen enter the campaign with eyes on a 20th consecutive sectional championship, a feat that could place them among the elite programs in Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) history, potentially becoming the second team to reach 25 sectional titles.
Realignment reshapes postseason paths
Mishawaka Marian, after moving up to Class 3A, is still projected to capture its sixth straight sectional title despite the shift in its sectional field. South Bend Saint Joseph, which finished fourth in 2025, aims to return to the state finals under veteran coach Phil DePauw, whose track record of deep tournament runs continues to inspire confidence.
Northridge, fresh off a second 3A sectional title in three years, will meet Penn in the same sectional this year, a matchup that could influence early-season rankings and momentum.
South Bend Adams, despite losing key player Jocelyn Jones, brings back top scorers Arianna Jones and Navia Smith, positioning the team to contend for its first sectional title since 2004.
Player highlights add extra intrigue. Kendall Bradley, Marian’s leading scorer, netted nine goals during the state tournament and finished the season with 19 goals as a junior, earning First‑Team All‑NIC and ISCA Second‑Team All‑State honors.
Emily Sachire, a Second‑Team All‑NIC selection for Penn, led the Kingsmen with seven assists last season, underscoring her playmaking role.
In goal, Penn returns Emily Hertel alongside sophomore Moria Nugent, who posted 28 saves and allowed just three goals in eight appearances last year, providing a solid defensive backbone.
Saint Joseph’s Emily Keegan earned First‑Team All‑NIC honors, and the team’s new sectional now includes John Glenn and Jimtown, the only two winning programs from the previous season, adding depth to the competitive field.
Northridge also retains leading scorer Adelynn Miller and senior midfielder Brylee Yoder, who helped the team go 7‑0 in conference play last year, promising a strong offensive thrust.