Spalding University’s women’s soccer team was tabbed eighth in the 2026 St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC) preseason coaches’ poll, the league announced. The Golden Eagles received 60 points and six first-place votes, edging out the competition.
Head Coach Jordan Vejar returns seven starters from last year’s tournament-winning squad, including four All-Conference performers. Midfielders Madison Dziedzic and Clara Creg are expected to control the game’s tempo, while defender Claira Andrews will anchor the backline. Karolyn Lighthall aims for a larger role following the graduation of Player of the Year Emma Livingston.
Other key returners include Anna Graves, Maddie Campbell, and Alyssa Ochsner. Greenville University placed second in the poll with 56 points and two first-place votes. The Panthers, led by Coach Jeff Wardlaw, finished last season 11-7-2 but must replace most of last year’s regular-season championship team, with only two returning starters. Brady Unger, who earned All-Conference honors, leads the defense alongside Peyton Turner. Kylie Petroski contributed nine goals and two assists last season and will be a focal point of the attack.
Webster University ranked third with 52 points and received one first-place vote. Coach Luigi Scire’s team finished 14-5 last year, returning six starters. Mia Smith and Malaya Blakely, both All-Conference selections, form a potent offensive duo. The Gorloks also return Jasmine Hubbard and Isabelle Schumacher on defense, along with midfielder Riley Cappozzo.
Westminster College was fourth with 44 points. Coach Courtney Howe’s squad, 8-7-2 last season, returns seven starters. Key players include Shea Nortrup on defense, midfielder Molly Angell, and attacker Addi Curtis. The team also features experienced players Fiona Shelp, Emma Fontenot, and Allie Auer, along with newcomers Olivia Gibson, Adamaris Ramirez, and freshmen Harper Burdick, Addie Greenwood, Sam Diebel, and Dannica Little.
Principia College placed fifth with 34 points. Under Coach Samuel Thomas, the Panthers return nine starters from a 5-7-2 team. Makayla Kurtz and Sana Udoekong lead the roster, with other contributors including Kiara Smith and Dachelle Carter. Transfers Isabella Brancati, Julia Fillat, and Stella Cathie are expected to play significant roles.
Lyon College finished sixth with 31 points, returning seven starters led by All-Conference midfielder Katelyn Balderas. Jessica Steele, Lauren Couture, and Jasmine Goodrum also return for the Scots, coached by Marc Neddo, who is excited about newcomers Alli Barnes and Michelle Espinoza.
Blackburn College was seventh with 19 points. Coach Chris Anzalone’s team, last year 3-11-2, will rely on seven starters, including goalie Emma Zaidle, who made 86 saves last season. Midfielder Cristina Zelaya and defender Paige Schmelzer return, alongside transfers Shelbie Hall-Wright and Dayanara Barajas, and freshman Caitlyn Lashley.
Completing the poll, MUW was eighth with 17 points. First-year coach Valerie Greer’s team finished 1-13-4 last season. The Owls return goalkeeper Cam Lopez and field players Avery Bartlett and Abby Warchus, with Reagan Shinn emerging as a new player to watch. Eureka College received 11 points, with the team led by five returning starters, including scorer Addison Byers and defender Ryann Webster. Coach Roberto Bucio is in his first year, with newcomers expected to make an impact.
