Memphis women's soccer entered the 2026 season as the unanimous choice of American Conference coaches, capturing all 10 first‑place votes and amassing 100 points in the preseason poll.
The margin was stark: the Tigers held a 20‑point lead over second‑place UTSA, which collected 80 points, while Rice followed with 73 and South Florida with 71.
This marks the seventh occasion in the program’s 14‑year tenure within the conference that Memphis has been projected to finish atop the league, underscoring a sustained pattern of dominance.
Watch List Highlights
Three Tigers earned spots on the 2026 American Conference Women's Soccer Preseason Watch List: senior captain Finley Lavin, junior midfielder Ai Kitagawa, and sophomore forward Ellis Kelly.
Lavin, a two‑time Defensive Player of the Year, brings veteran leadership and a track record of All‑American honors. Kitagawa, who captured the 2025 All‑South Region and All‑Conference First Team accolades and was named Midfielder of the Year, adds creative spark. Kelly, the 2025 Freshman of the Year and three‑time Freshman‑of‑the‑Week honoree, is expected to expand her impact on the attack.
Coaches were barred from voting for their own squads, ensuring the poll reflects an unbiased assessment of the league landscape.
With the preseason accolades already piling up, the Tigers are poised to translate early recognition into on‑field success, aiming to extend their conference streak and make a deep run in the national tournament.