Boston University’s women’s soccer program entered the 2026 season with a wave of preseason recognition, as three of its standout players earned spots on the Patriot League Preseason All‑Team. The Terriers sit second in the league’s preseason poll, collecting four first‑place votes, and open their campaign with a home match against Northeastern on August 13.
Preseason Honors
Helene Tyburczy was crowned the 2026 Patriot League Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, highlighting a 2025 campaign in which she started all 19 matches, logged nearly 1,700 minutes, and contributed two goals while earning first‑team All‑Patriot League and All‑ECAC honors.
Senior midfielder Ciara Kennedy secured her first All‑Patriot League selection after a career‑high 960 minutes of play, adding one assist, while forward Olivia Avellar reached career highs with five goals and three assists, totaling 13 points and earning a spot on the All‑Tournament Team.
The Terrier defense proved dominant, posting ten shutouts in 18 games and allowing only five goals across nine Patriot League contests, including a perfect five‑goal tally in nine home matchups.
Building on a sixth straight Patriot League regular‑season championship and a 7‑1‑1 conference record, the team reached the league title game for the eighth time in the past 12 seasons, underscoring a sustained period of excellence.
Looking ahead, the Terriers will test their preseason momentum in a home showdown with Northeastern on August 13 at 6 p.m., a match that could set the tone for what coaches expect to be another deep tournament run.