Preseason Landscape
The 2026 NJAC women's soccer preseason poll has already sparked conversation among coaches and fans, with Rowan University emerging as the clear favorite after earning five first‑place votes. Montclair State is not far behind, also collecting five top votes, setting the stage for a tightly contested battle at the top of the conference.
Rowan’s ascendancy rests on the return of key contributors who helped the team dominate last season. Midfielder Sara Wiedeman, a First Team All‑NJAC selection, and forward Angela Oliveto, the league’s leading scorer, headline a roster that also welcomes fresh faces such as midfielder Kylee Ferranto and goalkeeper Enya Carthy, both transferred from NJIT, and freshman defender Mckenna Eaton.
Montclair State counters with its own set of proven talents. Reigning Midfielder of the Year Shannon Mullins returns alongside First Team All‑NJAC forward Isabell Kronow, while the team adds Division I transfer Mackenzie Sibello in goal and rookie Carly Guzzardo, the conference’s Rookie of the Year, to bolster depth.
Dark Horses and Rising Programs
Stockton University is being touted as a dark‑horse contender, riding the momentum of returning midfielders Makayla Jaffe and Kylee Reissek, who topped the team in scoring a season ago. Meanwhile, SUNY New Paltz makes its inaugural NJAC appearance with a balanced mix of eight returners and 12 newcomers, including forward Abby Macleod and midfielder Alyssa Deutsch.
Other programs are also shaping their line‑ups for the upcoming campaign. Ramapo College brings back forward Morgan Korinchak and defender Gigi Santana, while adding fresh talent such as Victoria Gil, Fiona Helly and midfielder Sofia Cascio. Kean University will rely on Honorable Mention All‑NJAC forwards Carly Gleason and Ella Petrosh, who combined for 31 points last season, and Rutgers‑Camden returns forward Brianne Reeves and midfielder Ava Stowell, supplemented by newcomers Gianna Simon and Sam Scutt.
Rutgers‑Newark looks to fortify its attack with all‑conference forwards Eliza Haghighi and Vielka Fernandez, while adding goalkeeper Maura Chawner to the mix. TCNJ will count on First Team All‑NJAC forward Alyssa Alfano, who led the team with 27 points, and William Paterson University hopes to rebuild its defensive unit after losing Erin Clark, leaning on forward Christina Jimenez and midfielder Janie Henderson to anchor the offense.
Across the board, coaches emphasize depth, experience and the integration of transfers as critical factors. The blend of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers promises a season where tactical flexibility and squad cohesion could decide the ultimate champion.