A Historic Preseason
North Park University’s women’s soccer program has opened the 2026 season with a milestone ranking, landing second in the CCIW preseason coaches’ poll and earning 53 points, including a solitary first‑place vote. The placement marks the highest preseason standing ever recorded by the Vikings.
Coach Emma Woodley’s leadership has been a catalyst, as the team celebrated a breakthrough year in 2025 that featured six conference victories, four All‑CCIW honorees and the program’s inaugural berth in the CCIW Tournament championship match. Woodley’s contributions were recognized with the conference’s Coach of the Year award.
A Record‑Setting 2025 Campaign
The success was driven by a quartet of standout players. Midfielder Caroline Sjøstedt topped the league with nine assists, becoming the first Viking to lead the conference in that category. Forward Sofia Svensson shattered records with eight goals and 17 points, earning First Team All‑CCIW honors and being named the conference’s First‑Year Student‑Athlete of the Year.
Defender Maja Applequist logged the most minutes in conference play, securing Second Team recognition, while Hannah Björkegren added depth in attack, ranking among the league’s leaders in goals, shots and points.
Returning Talent Fuels 2026 Ambitions
All four All‑CCIW selections are set to return for another championship push in 2026, giving the Vikings continuity and momentum as they aim to translate preseason promise into a title. With the coaching staff intact and a core group of returning All‑CCIW players, North Park is positioned to contend for its first conference championship.