The University of North Carolina Wilmington’s women’s soccer program entered the 2026 preseason with a strong statement, finishing second in the Coastal Athletic Association South Division poll. The team garnered four first‑place votes, trailing only the reigning CAA champion Elon, a testament to the competitiveness of the conference and the Seahawks’ rising profile.
Head coach and staff celebrated the recognition, highlighting the contributions of senior forward Hailey Longwell, who returns after being crowned the 2025 CAA Attacking Player of the Year, and sophomore midfielder Ava Chuderewicz, both earning spots on the Preseason All‑CAA Team.
The preseason honors did not stop there; Rachel Fry and Ava Vaughan were among 14 student‑athletes selected for honorable‑mention recognition, underscoring the depth of talent across the roster.
Key Matchups on the Horizon
The Seahawks will open their schedule with two high‑profile non‑conference fixtures. A home clash against Appalachian State is slated for August 13, followed by a road test at Western Carolina on August 16. Both games will be streamed live on ESPN+, giving fans an early glimpse of the team’s chemistry.
With the preseason accolades and a favorable broadcast platform, the squad aims to translate early momentum into a strong conference campaign. Longwell’s inclusion on the 2026 NCAA Division I Women’s Players to Watch – Forwards list further raises expectations, as does the collective experience of the returning core.