RALEIGH, N.C. - The William Peace University women's soccer team was selected 10th in the 2026 USA South Preseason Coaches Poll, released today by the conference.

The Pacers received 13 points in the preseason poll. Defending USA South regular season and tournament champion Brevard was selected as the preseason favorite with 80 points and eight first-place votes, while Southern Virginia was selected second with 73 points and two first-place votes. Greensboro rounded out the top three with 61 points.

Peace enters 2026 with a roster that combines an experienced group of returners with 13 newcomers who will look to make an immediate impact throughout the field.

Head coach Becky Scroger enters her fifth season leading the Pacers in 2026.

"The team has been working really hard in preseason," Scroger said. "I've been impressed with their effort, focus, and togetherness. We have a lot of new faces this year, as well as a great returning group. I'm excited to see our younger players step up and mesh with our returners. I'm looking forward to continuing to grow together as a team. We're excited to get after it and compete this fall!"

Among the returning offensive contributors is forward Josie Tucker, who led the Pacers with two goals and five points across 14 appearances last season. Midfielder Kerlyn Navarrete Trejos recorded a team-high two assists in 13 appearances, while forward Savanna Berckmiller added an assist and registered 11 shots on goal. Defenders Sierra Minor and Angelica Landazuri each appeared in all 14 matches in 2025 and return to help anchor the Peace back line.

The Pacers open the regular season at home against Warren Wilson on September 2 at WakeMed Soccer Park before traveling to Johnson & Wales (N.C.) on September 4. Peace returns home for matches against Washington Adventist on September 6, Mid-Atlantic Christian on September 7, Regent on September 9 and Randolph on September 12.

USA South play begins September 20 when the Pacers host Pfeiffer. The conference schedule also features Mary Baldwin, Southern Virginia, N.C. Wesleyan, Brevard, Meredith, Methodist, Salem and Greensboro before the USA South Tournament begins October 31.

View the full 2026 women's soccer schedule here.
View the full 2026 USA South Preseason Poll release here.

Below is the 2026 USA South Women's Soccer Preseason Coaches Poll: