Colgate's Ella Poppinga has been named the Patriot League Preseason Goalkeeper of the Year, marking a significant achievement for the program. Alongside teammate Josie Tunney, who also made the Preseason All-Patriot League Women's Soccer Team, the Raiders have been positioned third in the playoff poll, their highest ranking since 2021. Poppinga's honor is notable as it is the first such accolade in program history. Last season, she made 87 saves and recorded four clean sheets in 19 games.

By the Numbers
  • Colgate finished third in the preseason poll with 62 votes.
  • Poppinga had a record of 9 wins, 6 losses, and 4 draws last season.
State of Play
  • The Raiders kick off their 2026 season against Pepperdine on August 13 at 3 p.m. PST.
  • Colgate has not received a preseason major honor since 2021, making this recognition significant.
What's Next

As the season begins, Colgate will look to build on this momentum and potentially improve their standing in the league. Poppinga's performance will be critical as the team aims for a successful 2026 campaign.

Bottom Line

Poppinga's recognition as Preseason Goalkeeper of the Year emphasizes Colgate's promising outlook for the upcoming season; strong performances now could lead to greater achievements within the Patriot League.