A New Chapter for Cornell Women's Soccer
Head coach Rob Ferguson unveiled the 2026 roster with a simple yet powerful message: the team is "bought in," signaling a collective commitment that goes beyond talent on paper.
After a 5‑7‑4 record a year ago and a tough Ivy League finish, Ferguson believes the blend of experience and fresh energy positions the Big Red to climb the conference standings.
The mantra "HWT" now guides daily workouts, practice drills and team meetings, serving as a rallying cry for consistency and hustle.
Depth Meets Transition
Cornell returns 12 letterwinners, but the departure of ten seniors — including a starting goalkeeper and key center backs — creates both a challenge and an opportunity for younger players to step up.
Among the newcomers, sophomore Samantha Qureshey is slated as the presumed No. 1 keeper, yet the position remains open, with freshmen Ellie Gudusky and Sofia Kerrigan pushing for minutes.
Senior Naomi Glassberg has drawn praise for her sharper ball‑security and one‑on‑one defending, marking a noticeable rise in confidence and composure.
The defensive line retains veterans Raya Leikin, Amanda Polyniak and Kayla Ristianto, while speed‑laden additions Ella Pfeiffer and Camryn Savig bring fresh dynamism to the backline.
Midfield creativity will be anchored by returning players Emily Gibbons, Ella Koschineg, Ivy Tolbert and Andrea Wilson, complemented by promising freshmen Bella Grabowski and Kyleena Xin, who add depth and versatility.
A Schedule Designed for Momentum
The 2026 calendar opens with a four‑game home stand, giving the squad a chance to build chemistry before embarking on a road trip that will test resilience on unfamiliar turf.
Ivy League play kicks off against Yale on September 26, and Ferguson stresses that consistency — especially on the road — will be crucial to solidify Cornell’s standing in the league.
With a multi‑year plan to sharpen offensive output, the incoming freshman class is expected to contribute immediately, while the coaching staff continues to fine‑tune strategies aimed at turning close games into wins.