The Denison University women's soccer program is poised to defend its 2025 North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) title as the 2026 season approaches. A 9‑5‑5 record last year, highlighted by a 1‑0 victory over John Carroll in the conference championship, set a solid foundation, and the team enters the new campaign with a preseason poll that placed them first with 59 points.
Key returnees such as midfielder Maryn Zavislak, who earned Midfielder of the Year honors, and forward Mattie Mielke, a second‑team All‑NCAC selection, will anchor the squad, even as defender Sarah Sollinger, a two‑time Defensive Player of the Year, moves on.
The coaching staff also welcomes back All‑conference honorees Mara McGlone and Reily Brinley, whose contributions on both ends of the field should bolster depth.
A Season of Continuity
Head coach emphasizes maintaining the defensive discipline that produced seven shutouts and limited opponents to just 0.74 goals per game, while looking to sustain the offensive rhythm that yielded five goals from Mielke and three from McGlone.
The schedule opens at home on September 4 against Otterbein, continues with a Family Weekend matchup against Case Western on September 26, and features conference battles against Kenyon on October 3 and Ohio Wesleyan on October 31.
With a strong non‑conference finish and a road win at DePauw in the 2025 tournament semifinal, the team aims to translate early momentum into another championship run.
The combination of experience, high‑ranking recruits, and a favorable preseason forecast suggests that Denison’s women will once again be a formidable force in the NCAC.
Fans and alumni can expect a competitive slate, and the program’s momentum could influence future recruiting cycles across the conference.