The Hartford Hawks women's soccer program has quickly become one of the most exciting stories in collegiate soccer. After capturing back-to-back Conference of New England (CNE) Championships and securing the program's first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2006, the team finished the 2025 campaign with a stellar 14-4-2 record. Their run ended in the opening round against the University of Rochester, but the experience has set a high bar for the upcoming season.
A Core That Knows Victory
Returning for 2026 are 14 veterans who helped write that recent history. Among them are four all-conference selections — Anastasia Nerney, Kathleen Brush, Reese Sadler, and Mia Mangalji — who bring a blend of experience and skill. Nerney earned CNE Rookie of the Year honors and a first-team all-conference nod, while Brush, a three-time All-Region selection, contributed 10 goals and six assists last year. Sadler started every game and garnered a second-team all-conference spot, and Mangalji rounded out the squad with a third-team selection. Their combined impact provides a solid foundation for the Hawks as they look to defend their conference title.
Adding fresh energy, the roster will welcome 14 newcomers, including transfers from Division I and Division III programs. These additions are expected to deepen the squad's depth and inject new tactical versatility. Early non-conference fixtures against Stevens and Montclair State University will serve as crucial tests, allowing the team to fine-tune its rhythm before diving back into CNE play.
Chasing History Once More
The ultimate goal for Hartford is clear: capture a third consecutive CNE championship and lock in a second straight NCAA Tournament berth. The last time the program achieved back-to-back tournament appearances was in 2001 and 2002, a feat that underscores the magnitude of the current pursuit. With disciplined play, teamwork, and the momentum from recent successes, the Hawks are poised to turn that ambition into reality.