ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) announced its 2025 Women's Soccer Preseason Coaches Poll on Monday. The University of Northwestern Women's Soccer team landed in a tie with Bethany Lutheran College for second place with 29 total points and one first-place vote, marking the program as a top contender heading into the season.

The full UMAC conference preview can be accessed here.

The program begins a new chapter under first-year head coach Danny Brandt, who inherits a roster loaded with experienced seniors.  Among the returners is forward Haley Mersberger (Kiel, Wis./Elkhart Lake Glenbeulah), a dangerous attacking presence who earned First-Team All-UMAC and NCCAA All-North Central Region First-Team recognition in 2024 after scoring 13 goals, including three game-winners. On the defensive side, senior Mallory Moseman (Woodbury, Minn./New Life Academy) returns after receiving UMAC Honorable Mention and All-Sportsmanship Team honors, while fellow senior defender Elle Bush (Bemidji, Minn./Bemidji) brings additional experience and leadership to the back line. In the midfield, senior Briella Babcock (Byron, Minn./Byron) (3 goals, 3 assists) and senior Meghan Corbett (Sartell, Minn./St. Cloud Cathedral) (2 goals, 2 assists, UMAC Honorable Mention) will look to control the field and spark the Eagles' attack.

Northwestern officially opens its 2025 campaign on Saturday, August 29, at Bethel University, kicking off at 3:30 PM. With Brandt at the helm and proven veterans on the pitch, the Eagles aim to make a strong statement early in the season.