Preseason Spotlight
High Point University’s women’s soccer program entered the 2026 preseason with a clear message: depth and experience will drive its campaign. The Big South Conference recently unveiled its Top Returners to Watch List, spotlighting Sabba Haghgoo, Kari Powell and Kasey Resker, while also welcoming fresh talent in Coryn McDonnell and Morgan Wilcox.
Coach McGuiness praised McDonnell’s composure and soccer IQ, noting that the freshman center back logged 1,325 minutes last season, including a decisive 110 minutes in the championship final against USC Upstate.
Haghgoo, described as a strong attacking player with both scoring and assisting ability, opened the season with her first goal against Radford and quickly proved her playmaking instincts with two assists versus Garner‑Webb.
Powell’s clutch performance came when she struck the game‑winning goal in the Big South Championship, earning both All‑Tournament honors and a place on the Academic All‑District team, underscoring her leadership in midfield.
Resker’s defensive evolution is evident in her 1,614 minutes played during 2025, a campaign marked by three assists, a goal against Charleston Southern, and steadily improving elusiveness.
Wilcox brings athleticism and height that make her a formidable presence in the box; she contributed three goals and an assist, including strikes against College of Charleston and Presbyterian College.
The season will open on August 13, 2026, when High Point hosts UNC Greensboro at Vert Stadium, a match that will test the early chemistry of this blended roster.