Gannon University’s women’s soccer program, currently ranked No. 23 in the national polls, has been placed second in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference’s Western Division preseason poll for the upcoming 2026 season.
The 2025 campaign ended with a 16‑3‑2 record, secured the team’s fifth consecutive berth in the NCAA Division II Tournament, and yielded four All‑PSAC West selections.
Among the honorees are senior forward Brooklyn Respecki, who contributed ten goals and eight assists, midfielder Jessie Watkins, defender Grace Emanuel, and midfielder Hannah Shepard, who earned first‑team All‑PSAC West despite missing much of the season due to injury.
Head coach Colin Petersen, who has guided the program for 25 seasons and amassed a career record of 237‑167‑46, will look to build on that momentum as the roster returns a core group of experienced athletes.
In the Eastern Division, West Chester University received seven first‑place votes and is projected as the preseason favorite, while nearby institutions such as Shepherd University and Kutztown University are also slated to contend.
Key Returners
The return of four All‑PSAC West selections gives Gannon a depth of talent that could prove decisive in tight conference matchups.
Fans and analysts alike are watching closely as the team opens its schedule against traditional rivals, hoping to translate preseason optimism into a successful campaign.