The Worcester Polytechnic Institute women's soccer program has been honored with the 2025‑26 United Soccer Coaches Team Academic Award, a testament to its combined success on the field and in the classroom.
Season Highlights
Under the direction of head coach Steph Riley‑Schafer, the team finished the 2025 season with an 11‑7‑3 overall record and a 5‑4‑2 mark in the NEWMAC, advancing to the conference tournament and posting ten shutouts throughout the campaign.
The 2025‑26 academic year saw the squad maintain a collective grade‑point average of 3.69, meeting the stringent 3.0 minimum required for the award and placing the program among 451 women's soccer teams nationally that earned the distinction.
Broader Recognition
Overall, 777 collegiate soccer programs were recognized, including 326 men's teams and 175 institutions that celebrated both their men's and women's sides, underscoring a growing emphasis on academic excellence across the sport.
The 2026 season will open on September 1 with a home matchup against Union (NY) scheduled for a 3 p.m. kickoff, promising another chapter of competitive play for a team that blends athletic ambition with scholarly achievement.