PORTLAND, Ore. – The Central Washington University Women's Soccer Team has been named fifth in the GNAC Women's Soccer Preseason Coaches Poll in Head Coach John Hawks second year at the helm.
 
The Wildcats earned 31 points in the poll and are looking to build off their 2025 season that saw them post their highest win total since the 2021 season. Western Washington and Simon Fraser tied for first in the preseason poll, each grabbing 60 points and four first-place votes with Seattle Pacific in third with 45 points and Western Oregon just ahead of the 'Cats in fourth with 37 points.
 
The Wildcats return much of their offensive production from a year ago, including leading scorer Jaylee Reynolds, who tallied four goals and nine points as a freshman. Sophomores Emma Barrett and Sadie Schaefer, along with senior forwards Cam Sheets and Kelsey Fulton, headline an attack looking to build from the 2025 campaign.
 
On the defensive side, CWU returns a strong core that helped produce five shutouts last season. Fifth-year defender Bella Green joins seniors Lainee Derry and Kendal Smith, juniors Peyton Wilson and Sydney Madison, and sophomore Haley Engstrom to anchor the back line. In goal, senior Danika Galbraith returns after posting a 1.33 goals-against average, 64 saves, and five shutouts in 11 starts, while junior Leighton Menge provides additional experience between the posts.
 
CWU will begin their season tomorrow at the Humboldt Kickoff Classic, hosted by Cal Poly Humboldt in Arcata, Calif. The 'Cats will first face the hosting 'Jacks tomorrow at 3:00 p.m. before wrapping up the weekend against Stanislaus State on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. with both games happening on College Creek Field.
 
View the full GNAC story HERE
 

Rank	Team (1st Place Votes)	Points
T-1	Simon Fraser (4)	60
T-1	Western Washington (4)	60
3	Seattle Pacific	45
4	Western Oregon	37
5	Central Washington	31
6	Northwest Nazarene	26
7	Montana State Billings	18
8	Saint Martin's	11