The 2026 women's soccer season at Marquette University is shaping up to be a pivotal year, with the coaching staff emphasizing continuity while integrating fresh talent.
Jocelyn Leigh entered the season as the Big East’s leading returning goal scorer, having netted seven goals in just 16 matches last year, though a 5‑0 defeat to Providence limited her to only 61 minutes on the field.
Megan Murray was a workhorse, starting all 17 games and logging over 1,200 minutes, contributing three goals and five assists that placed her second among returning players in total points.
Returning Attackers
Haley Christianson appeared in every match but managed just a single assist despite firing off 23 shots, highlighting a gap in finishing that the staff hopes to address.
Emily Fix, who tallied seven points with three goals and an assist across 18 appearances, saw her playing time dip from nearly 1,400 minutes to 868, starting only ten games, raising questions about the team's utilization of her productivity.
Cecilia Favret, despite 27 career appearances, has yet to register a goal or an assist, making her a player the coaching staff is watching for a breakout.
Coco Dorfman, who transferred from Pitt, brings three goals and four assists from 16 games, having featured for 514 minutes so far, and could add depth to the attacking lineup.
Freshman Impact
Clare Shea made an immediate impact as a freshman, starting all 18 matches, leading the team in minutes (1,609) and contributing two goals with an assist.
Meg Decker started 16 games and finished second on the squad in minutes (1,309), providing two assists that helped sustain offensive pressure.
Hailey Wade started every match except one, surpassing 1,400 minutes of play, yet she ranked ninth in Big East metrics, a statistic that underscores both her endurance and the team's offensive inefficiencies.
Goalkeeping and Defense
Elise Krone saw limited action, appearing for 194 minutes and conceding eight goals, resulting in a 3.71 goals‑against average, a figure that improved from the previous season's 1.70 but still points to defensive vulnerabilities.
The squad's defensive unit, highlighted by goalkeepers such as Krone, struggled last year, prompting the coaching staff to focus on tightening up the back line before the new campaign.
Offensively, Marquette ranked third in the Big East for goals scored, trailing only teams with combined 18‑1‑1 records, and the coaching staff believes that increased playing time for high‑producing players could push the shooting percentage above .304.
New Additions and Outlook
Newcomers like Coco Dorfman and the health of players such as Lilly Coats, who suffered a season‑ending injury early in her freshman year, will be crucial factors in determining the team's depth and overall competitiveness.
Overall, the blend of experienced contributors and promising additions suggests that Marquette is poised to challenge for a higher conference standing, provided the tactical adjustments and minutes distribution align with the players' performances.