Preseason Poll Highlights
The 2026 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll places the Emporia State University women's soccer squad seventh overall, accumulating 85 points. While Washburn University tops the chart with 138 points and 13 first‑place votes, and Pittsburg State follows with 136 points and six top votes, the Hornets sit ahead of Central Missouri and Missouri Western, which hold third and fourth positions with 119 and 108 points respectively.
Coach [Name] expressed confidence that the team's depth and experience will allow them to challenge the traditional powerhouses. The preseason rankings reflect a strong belief in the program's trajectory, especially after a season that saw six All‑MIAA honorees and a solid offensive output.
Key Players to Watch
Sophomores Ella Favot and Megan Kephart headline the returning roster. Favot led the team with seven goals last season and earned Second Team All‑MIAA honors, while Kephart contributed five goals and seven assists, also landing on the Second Team. Their combined impact should provide a potent attacking threat. Midfielder Hailey Gancarz, another sophomore, returns after notching four goals and three assists, adding versatility in the midfield.
Other notable contributors include Peyton Pipes, Ruby Ryan, Madeline Bracy, and Sammy Quiroz, all of whom received honorable‑mention recognition. Their development will be crucial as the Hornets aim to improve on last season's performance and contend for a conference title.
The schedule opens with a road test against Drury University on August 27 at 5:00 PM in Springfield, Missouri, followed by a home opener against #21 Maryville University on August 29 at 11:00 AM on the ESU Pitch. Both matches will serve as early barometers for the team's readiness and ability to execute the game plan against top‑ranked opponents.