Preseason Outlook
Southern Illinois University’s women’s soccer program entered the 2026 campaign with a modest but promising outlook, landing fifth in the Missouri Valley Conference’s preseason poll. The ranking reflects the league’s depth, with Drake University, Illinois State, UIC and Murray State occupying the top four spots, while Indiana State trailed just behind the Dawgs.
Among the returning standouts, junior forward Guliana Balistreri earned a spot on the Preseason All‑MVC Team. Building on a sophomore season in which she appeared in all 19 matches and logged a program‑record 1,713 minutes, Balistreri contributed a goal and an assist while also being recognized on the All‑MVC Second Team and Scholar‑Athlete Team.
The Dawgs will begin their regular schedule on August 13 with a road contest against Southeast Missouri, a match that could set the tone for a season that many expect to be competitive within the MVC.