The Lenoir‑Rhyne women’s soccer team is generating buzz after being placed second in the South Atlantic Conference preseason coaches’ poll with 92 points and earning a No. 8 ranking in the United Soccer Coaches preseason poll. Head coach Justin Maullin, now in his third year, will guide a roster that returns over 91% of its point production from last season.
A Tradition of Triumph
The program boasts a storied history, having captured 14 SAC Championships and advanced to 12 NCAA Tournaments. In 2021 the Bears reached the national semifinals, the deepest run in school history, and have consistently been among the region’s most successful teams.
Key contributors from that successful campaign are back and ready to make an impact. Katie Durham and Ava Hartman earned spots on the Preseason All‑Conference Team, while Mya Rivera, Ingrid Krakhellen and Rosa Gonzalez have been named Players to Watch. Lucia Hidalgo returns to add scoring punch after netting two game‑winning goals in the NCAA Tournament last year.
Rebuilding the Midfield
The midfield will see fresh faces as transfers Julie Galie, Lily Stegall and Krista Nielsen step into roles vacated by the departures of Carola Busquets and Nicole Auger. Their arrivals are expected to shore up a unit that posted three consecutive shutouts before a narrow loss to Florida Tech in the national quarterfinals.
Defensively, the Bears have built a reputation for resilience, and the coaching staff believes the blend of experienced starters and new talent will keep them competitive throughout the schedule. The season opens with home matches against the University of Tampa and Concord, setting the tone for what many expect to be a championship‑contending year.
Looking Forward
With a strong defensive foundation, a high‑powered offense anchored by returning stars, and a coaching staff that has proven its ability to develop talent, the Bears enter the new season with momentum. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely as the team aims to translate preseason optimism into on‑field success.