Shepherd University women's soccer team is projected to finish fourth in the PSAC Eastern Division Preseason Poll. The ranking reflects the team's performance last season and introduces a new head coach, Bob Meals. The top spot is held by West Chester, who received unanimous first-place votes after an impressive 2025 season. Kutztown and Bloomsburg follow closely, placing second and third in the poll respectively, highlighting a competitive atmosphere among the contenders.

By the Numbers
  • Shepherd finished last season with a record of 12-2-6 overall (7-1-6 PSAC).
  • West Chester dominated with a record of 16-3-4 overall (13-1-2 conference), securing seven first-place votes.
State of Play
  • The Eastern Division features West Chester, Kutztown, and Bloomsburg ranked above Shepherd.
  • Shepherd returns key players including Merritt Delk and Reagan Ackermann, contributing significantly to last season鈥檚 offense.
What's Next

The team will look to leverage its returning talent under new leadership to climb the rankings in the regular season. As the season progresses, match performances will be pivotal in determining playoff positioning and potential championship aspirations.

Bottom Line

Shepherd's fourth-place ranking reflects both expectations and challenges ahead, requiring a strong start to the season to maintain relevancy within a competitive PSAC landscape. The focus will be on team cohesion and leveraging returning players' strengths to achieve postseason goals.