Preseason Dominance
The Elon University women's soccer program entered the new campaign as the clear favorite in the CAA South Division, topping the preseason poll with 62 points — the most of any team in the conference and the second straight year the Phoenix have secured the division's lead.
Head coach [Name] praised the blend of experience and youthful talent that earned the squad this distinction, noting that the team's recent success has set a high bar for the upcoming schedule.
Four Elon standouts were recognized on the preseason All‑CAA squad, highlighting the depth of talent returning to the roster. Goalkeeper Katie Bisgrove, defender Grace Gelhaus, midfielder Ava Hellner, and forward Isa Murdock each received nods that reflect their impact on the program.
Bisgrove's performance metrics placed her among the nation's elite, boasting a .869 save percentage, a 0.78 goals‑against average and 106 total saves. She also set a single‑season Division I record at Elon with nine shutouts, including a six‑game streak that began in 2007.
Gelhaus made history as the first Elon player to earn CAA Defender of the Year honors. Her seven goals and top‑10 scorer status in the conference underscored her dual threat on both ends of the field.
Hellner anchored the midfield, logging over 1,700 minutes last season and contributing nine points in conference matches, while Murdock led the Phoenix with a career‑high 20 points, including seven goals, and was named to the CAA All‑Tournament Team.
The team's preseason accolades also extended to the coaching staff, with eight of the 12 first‑place votes in the South Division going to Elon, reflecting the respect opponents have for the program's recent dominance.
Elon's title run last season featured standout performances from Bisgrove, who made 12 career‑best saves in the semifinal against UNCW and added 10 more in the championship match at Stony Brook. Murdock's clutch contributions included the game‑winning goal against Gardner‑Webb and an assist on a decisive tally at High Point.
The Phoenix open their regular season on Thursday at Rudd Field, facing VCU at 7 p.m. The matchup marks the first test of a schedule that promises to challenge the team's depth and resilience as they look to translate preseason momentum into another conference championship.