Preseason Outlook
The College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) has released its 2026 women's soccer preseason poll, and the numbers tell a clear story: North Central College stands atop the hierarchy with 64 points and eight first‑place votes, cementing its status as the unanimous pick to repeat as champions.
The Cardinals arrived at that position after a flawless 2025 campaign that featured an 8‑0‑0 record and two shutout victories in the CCIW Tournament. Their dominance was reflected not only in the standings but also in the conference’s major awards, where six of the seven All‑CCIW honorees from last season are slated to return.
Among those returning standouts are Kassandra Salviola, who earned Defensive Student‑Athlete of the Year honors, goalkeeper Lily Mattison, named Goalkeeper of the Year, and midfielder Jordan Lange, the Offensive Student‑Athlete of the Year. Their presence bolsters a roster that already blended experience with emerging talent.
Behind North Central, North Park University and Carthage College followed closely in the poll, each garnering significant support. North Park collected 53 points and a single first‑place vote, while Carthage amassed 45 points, eager to build on a successful inaugural season under head coach Chelsea Davis.
Other programs showing promise include Elmhurst University and Wheaton College, tied for fourth with 40 points apiece after advancing to the tournament semifinals a year ago. Illinois Wesleyan University, sitting sixth with 37 points, aims to secure another tournament bid under head coach Oz Bakirdan, while Carroll University and Millikin University round out the top eight with 19 and 18 points respectively.
The 2026 CCIW Tournament will kick off with quarterfinal matches on October 31, progress to semifinals on November 4, and culminate in the championship game on November 7. The top six teams will qualify, with each match hosted by the higher seed, ensuring a competitive and geographically balanced schedule.
Fans can follow every minute of the action through the CCIW Network, which will provide free streaming of all tournament games. This accessibility underscores the conference’s commitment to growing the sport’s profile and engaging a broader audience across the region.