Wake Forest's women's soccer team entered the season as the 11th‑ranked side in the nation and has not looked back, opening with a perfect 2‑0‑0 record that includes shutout victories over South Carolina and 16th‑ranked LSU. The defense has been the cornerstone of the early success, allowing zero goals while the midfield has controlled possession.
Defensive standouts earn conference recognition
Sierra Sythe was honored as the ACC Defensive Player of the Week after her commanding performances anchored the back line, while goalkeeper Valentina Amaral shared the weekly goalkeeper award after making six saves across the two matches. Both players have helped the team maintain a clean sheet streak that has excited the coaching staff.
On the men's side, the Deacons began the year atop both TopDrawerSoccer and United Soccer Coaches polls, riding an unbeaten start that has already drawn praise for their tactical maturity. Senior midfielder Jeffrey White, the team captain, earned a spot on the ACC Preseason Watch List and is expected to drive the squad's creative engine.
A rigorous ACC schedule looms
The upcoming slate features tough conference opponents such as Stanford and Virginia, beginning with a home match against San Francisco that will test the men's early momentum. The women's team will also meet familiar ACC rivals as they chase a return to the heights of the 2024 season, a goal complicated by a wave of player turnover but buoyed by high expectations.
Overall, the Deacons' programs are poised to translate early accolades into sustained conference success, blending veteran leadership with fresh talent as they navigate a demanding schedule.