The No. 23 Gannon women's soccer team has been chosen to finish second in the PSAC Western Division according to the 2026 preseason coaches' poll. Slippery Rock, the 2025 PSAC West champion, is the top pick with five first-place votes, while Gannon secured the remaining four. Following a strong previous season where they achieved a record of 16-3-2 and advanced to the NCAA Division II Tournament, Gannon returns key players including Brooklyn Respecki and Grace Emanuel, both of whom earned All-PSAC honors. Head coach Colin Petersen is set to start his 25th season, reinforcing the program's longstanding competitive edge.

By the Numbers
  • Gannon finished the previous season with a record of 16-3-2.
  • The team received four first-place votes in the preseason poll.
State of Play
  • Gannon is currently ranked No. 23 in the United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division II Preseason National Poll.
  • Slippery Rock, last year's champion, is favored to win again in 2026.
What's Next

As the season progresses, Gannon aims to assert its position in the PSAC and contend for the title, leveraging strong returning players and experienced coaching. Upcoming matches will be crucial for their standing and NCAA tournament aspirations.

Bottom Line

With a strong lineup and an established coach, Gannon women's soccer is poised for a promising 2026 season, making their performance in early games vital for reaffirming their competitive status in the PSAC.