JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Eastern Kentucky University women's soccer team was picked to finish first in the United Athletic Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll, while six Colonels earned Preseason All-UAC honors, the league announced Monday afternoon.
 
EKU received seven of eight available first-place votes to earn the highest preseason conference ranking in program history. The Colonels finished six votes ahead of predicted second-place finish North Alabama while Little Rock was next in line predicted to finish third.
 
Sophomore goalkeeper Jordan LeVasseur was named UAC Preseason Goalkeeper of the Year, adding to a growing list of accolades after receiving national recognition from United Soccer Coaches (USC) last week.
 
LeVasseur was one of 20 goalkeepers nationally named to the USC NCAA Division I Goalkeepers to Watch List.
 
Joining LeVasseur on the Preseason All-UAC Team were junior forwards Avery May, Ana Manning, Lauren Link, senior midfielder Chiara Premoli, and senior midfielder/defender Rachel Robinson.
 
Additionally, Premoli also enters the season with national recognition earning a spot on the USC NCAA Division I Midfielders to Watch List, one of 16 mid-major midfielders in the country to receive the honor.
 
The Colonels placed at least one student-athlete in each position group and accounted for six of the 12 selections on the all-preseason team. The six honorees mark the most preseason all-conference selections in program history.
 
EKU opens the 2026 season Wednesday night on the road against Cincinnati. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+.
 
2026 UAC Preseason Women's Soccer Coaches' Poll
1. EKU (7)
2. North Alabama (1)
3. Little Rock
T4. Abilene Christian
T4. Central Arkansas
6. Tarleton State
7. Austin Peay
8. West Georgia
 
2026 UAC Preseason Women's Soccer Awards
 
Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: Maria Schuller, Little Rock
Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: Adelyn Speight, North Alabama
Preseason Goalkeeper of the Year: Jordan LeVasseur, EKU
Preseason All-UAC Team
F – Avery May, EKU
F – Ana Manning, EKU
F – Maria Schuller, Little Rock
M – Chiara Premoli, EKU
M – Sakkio Manabe, Central Arkansas
D – Rachel Robinson, EKU
D – Adelyn Speight, North Alabama
D – Candice Kilderry, Little Rock
AL – Lauren Link, EKU
AL – Avery Smith, North Alabama
GK – Jordan LeVasseur, EKU