The latest preseason coaches' poll for the Southern Conference women's soccer competition has placed Samford University at the top of the list, signaling a strong expectation that the Bulldogs will capture the 2026 championship.
Preseason Forecast
Samford arrived at the poll after a dominant 2025 campaign that produced a 13‑3‑5 overall record, a 7‑0‑2 mark inside the league and 12 shutouts. The Bulldogs earned 100 points and ten first‑place votes, comfortably outpacing their rivals.
Furman University and East Tennessee State University (ETSU) shared second place with 80 points each, setting the stage for a tight battle behind the Bulldogs.
Stars of the Squad
Among the standout returnees, forward Sam De Luca was crowned the 2025 Southern Conference Player of the Year after leading the league with 34 points and 15 goals, and he also earned Most Outstanding Player honors in the tournament. Defender Caroline Smith anchored a backline that posted a league‑best 0.99 goals‑against average, while goalkeeper Peyton Hull posted a 0.99 GAA and helped the team to 12 clean sheets.
The preseason all‑conference team also featured midfielders Georgia Shields and Ella Parker from ETSU, forward Reagan Fitzgerald from the same program, and defenders Anna Bachman and Payton Nutzman from Mercer. Additional selections included Norah Roller of Furman, Rina Ogimoto of UNCG, Quinn Johnson of Chattanooga and Mary Mueth of Western Carolina, rounding out a deep pool of talent.
Tournament Outlook
The 2026 season will open on August 12, with Samford, Furman, UNCG, VMI and Western Carolina each scheduled to begin play the following day. The tournament format will see early rounds hosted at the home fields of the sixth, seventh and eighth seeds on November 6, quarterfinals at the top two seeds on November 8, and the championship match slated for November 13 and 15, with the highest remaining seed hosting the semifinals.
Given the depth of talent and the early momentum, the Bulldogs enter the new campaign as clear favorites, but the competition promises to be fierce as the league showcases a blend of established powerhouses and rising programs.