A New Era for the Bluejays
Creighton University’s women’s soccer program has hit a milestone ahead of the 2026 season, landing fourth in the BIG EAST Preseason Coaches’ Poll, the highest preseason placement the Bluejays have ever achieved since joining the league in 2013.
The vote, released on Tuesday, awarded Creighton 73 points, positioning the team five points behind third‑place Xavier and behind the conference powerhouses Georgetown and UConn, who occupied the top two spots with 98 and 89 points respectively.
Conference Powerhouses Lead the Pack
Defending regular‑season champion Georgetown topped the poll with 98 points and eight first‑place votes, while UConn followed with 89 points and two first‑place votes, and Xavier secured third with 78 points and a single first‑place vote.
The Bluejays finished fourth in the league last year with a 7‑8‑4 record before falling in the tournament semifinals, but the preseason poll suggests a turnaround is on the horizon.
Building on Momentum
Head coach Peyton Kohls will return six regular starters, including senior midfielder Lizzie Heller and forward Kaya Hanson, while the roster also features 17 underclassmen who could provide depth and energy.
Creighton will open its regular season on August 12 against Colorado College in the Rocky Mountains, a non‑conference matchup that will test the team early in the schedule.
The Bluejays are slated to host nine home games this year, five of which will fall within BIG EAST play, giving the fan base ample opportunities to rally behind the squad.
Looking Toward the Championship
With the top four teams in the league guaranteed a spot in the 2026 BIG EAST Championship, Creighton’s fourth‑place preseason ranking places them squarely in contention for a postseason berth.
The upcoming season also marks a symbolic milestone, as the program’s highest preseason pick since joining the BIG EAST was fourth place in 2026, underscoring the progress made over the past two years.