The 2026‑27 women's soccer season has arrived with a buzz at Colby College. The team enters the campaign ranked 24th in the United Soccer Coaches Preseason Poll, a testament to the momentum built during a strong 2025 campaign that saw the squad finish 11‑5‑3 and advance to the second round of the NCAA Division III Tournament.
Rivalry reignites on Friday night
Friday night will bring the first test of the schedule as the Cardinals travel to face NESCAC rival Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, kicking off at 7:30 p.m. The matchup marks a return to familiar territory, having met in last year's season opener, and promises another intense chapter in the historic rivalry.
Head coach Seth Benjamin, now in his third year at the helm, will be supported by assistants Chad Sisson, Kaylyn Krul, and Yuri Nascimento. Their blend of experience and fresh ideas aims to sustain the program's upward trajectory.
Four senior leaders — Samantha DeWitt, Abigail Jarvi, Annie Liebich, and Madison Genser — earned All‑NESCAC honors last season and will anchor the lineup. Their presence, combined with a nine‑player cohort of first‑year athletes, creates a balanced mix of veteran savvy and new energy.
Season opener at home
The Cardinals will host Husson College on September 13 at 3:00 p.m. for their home opener, setting the tone for a schedule that includes both conference battles and non‑conference matchups. The coaching staff emphasizes that the early games are crucial for building chemistry before the team sets its sights on a third consecutive NCAA Tournament bid.
With the season underway, the focus remains on translating preseason optimism into on‑field results. The blend of seasoned seniors, a supportive coaching staff, and an eager freshman class positions Colby to contend strongly within the NESCAC and beyond.