The Sun Belt Conference unveiled its preseason predictions on Tuesday, and the numbers painted a clear picture of what many expect in the upcoming women's soccer season. James Madison University topped the coaches' poll with six first‑place votes and a total of 182 points, edging out Old Dominion and South Alabama.
Preseason Honors
Leading the charge for the Dukes is senior forward Ginny Lackey, who was named the Preseason Offensive Player of the Year. This marks the second straight year that Lackey has earned the conference’s top offensive honor, a feat last achieved by a player in the 2014‑15 season.
Lackey’s accolade is complemented by a place on the Preseason All‑Sun Belt Team alongside teammates Aleigha Arndt and Selma Rajakangas. Arndt, who contributed three goals and four assists last year, and Rajakangas, a freshman defender who recorded a goal and three assists, both received their first All‑Conference recognition.
Looking Ahead
The preseason accolades follow a strong finish to last season for the Dukes. JMU closed the 2025 campaign with a 9‑4‑6 record, captured second place in the East Division and secured the No. 5 seed for the Sun Belt Championship, where they fell to Texas State in a penalty shootout. Coach Arndt and the rest of the staff believe the early awards set a positive tone, but they also stress that the team will need to translate poll momentum into on‑field results. The Dukes open the season with a non‑conference matchup against a regional opponent before diving into conference play.