Preseason Watch List Highlights
The Charleston Southern women's soccer program has been thrust into the spotlight as the Big South Conference unveiled its preseason players to watch list, spotlighting five Buccaneers who are expected to shape the 2026 campaign.
Goalkeeper Avery Mason, who earned Big South Defensive Player of the Week honors in 2025, returns after starting all 18 matches last season and posting a 6‑8‑4 record with three shutouts, giving the backline a reliable anchor.
Midfielder Hailey Swenson, a sophomore who burst onto the scene as a freshman, was recognized on the midseason watch list after scoring against The Citadel and Presbyterian and finishing the year with 17 shots, eight on goal, and a knack for creating chances.
Rachel Gopalakrishnan, also in her second year, started 16 of 18 games and led the team with three assists and a goal, adding depth to a midfield that looks to build on last season’s momentum.
Defender Cadance Bell capped her breakout sophomore season with a Big South Second‑Team All‑Conference nod and three goals in 14 appearances, including strikes versus The Citadel and South Carolina State.
Delaney Evers, another defensive mainstay, logged over 1,000 minutes across 16 matches with 13 starts, underscoring the squad’s depth on the back line.
The Buccaneers will open their 2026 schedule on August 8 with an exhibition match against College of Charleston at the CSU Soccer Field, a game that will serve as the first test of the newly recognized talent pool.