The 2026 NEWMAC Women鈥檚 Soccer Preseason Coaches Poll projects MIT to win its fourth consecutive conference title, receiving 11 of 12 first-place votes. They are coming off a strong 2025 season, where they reached the NCAA Division III Championship Round of 16 and featured several All-Conference players, including Madeline Seebeck. Springfield, finishing second in the poll, aims to improve under head coach Kursten Shade, while Babson and Emerson round out the top four. WPI, Wheaton, and Wellesley are placed fifth through seventh respectively, with WPI showcasing returning All-Conference talent.

By the Numbers
  • MIT received 121 points in the poll with 11 first-place votes.
  • WPI finished fifth with 78 points and will return three All-Conference players.
State of Play
  • The first games of the season kick off on September 1, featuring various teams including Smith and UMass-Boston.
  • NEWMAC play begins on September 19, with Salve Regina facing Mount Holyoke.
What's Next

The conference anticipates a competitive season as teams aim to dethrone MIT, with championships concluding on November 7 when the automatic NCAA berth will be awarded. With several schools returning strong rosters and dynamic players, the competition in NEWMAC is set to intensify.

Bottom Line

As MIT seeks its fourth straight title, teams like Springfield and WPI are poised to challenge for the championship, making the upcoming NEWMAC season one to watch for both athletes and fans alike.