MONTGOMERY, Ala. – William Carey claimed nine first-place votes to take the top spot in the 2026 Southern States Athletic Conference Women’s Soccer Coaches’ Preseason Poll. 
 
Life and UT Southern rounded out the top three, with the Firehawks grabbing four first-place nods. The Crusaders swept the regular season and tournament titles last season. 
 
Jack Hartley, William Carey Head Coach: “We’re extremely honored and grateful to have been picked in that position by our peers. It’s a selection that reflects the history and success of the program. It's important for us to remember, but not live in the past, and we know we need to work hard every week against quality teams, players, and coaches to earn that right. We're excited to get started and hope that come the end of the season, we've earned that No. 1 spot."
 
Watch Live For Free On The Urban Edge Network
Like last year, many regular season and all SSAC Championship matches will be streamed live for free on the Urban Edge Network: https://www.urbanedgenetwork.net
 
2026 SSAC M&W Soccer Championships
The top eight teams will qualify for the SSAC tournament. The first round will take place Oct. 30-31 at the home of the higher seeds (#1 will host #8, #2 will host #7, etc.). Those four winners will advance to the semifinals on Nov. 5 at the Emory Folmar YMCA Soccer Complex in Montgomery, Ala. 
 
2026 SSAC Women’s Soccer Coaches’ Preseason Poll
1. William Carey - 187 (9)
2. Life - 180 (1)
3. UT Southern - 173 (4)
4. Xavier - 151
5. Mobile - 136
6. Point - 121
7. Dalton State - 118
8. Thomas - 105
9. Faulkner - 80
10. Brewton-Parker - 72
11. Abraham Baldwin - 51
12. Blue Mountain - 46
13. Wesleyan - 30
14. Andrew - 20