HAMMOND, La. – The Southeastern Louisiana University women's soccer team returned to Strawberry Stadium to continue fall preparations as the upcoming 2026 season rapidly approaches.
"We have been extremely happy with how the team has come back after summer break. The returners have integrated the newcomers extremely well, and after two weeks, we are already looking like a group that has spent a couple of years together," said fifth-year head coach Nathan Gillespie. "They have responded well to the physical stimulus and that is a credit to their self discipline over the summer and the work they put in when they were away from Hammond."
With the return of Southland Conference preseason polls, the Lions (65) ranked sixth, just one point shy from fifth-placed Stephen F. Austin (66). SLU, which closed out the previous 2025 season 6-8-4 overall and 5-3-2 in SLC action, is seeking to continue to build the program through experienced players along with fresh new faces.
The Lions are returning 18 players from last season's roster, including team captain and goalkeeper, Kendall Curran. Curran started in all 18 matches last season, leading the team with 1,620 minutes played while claiming 94 saves to end her junior campaign. Leading striker Alexandra Knight returns to Hammond, America after netting four goals alongside Aja Nelson who also stepped up to secure three goals as true freshmen.
"They both performed so well as rookies and it has been our duty to make sure they continue to improve," Gillespie stated. "Aja had an excellent spring and really grew into her role which has continued into pre-season. Alex has bounced back from the spring with a point to prove and is doing so, we're excited to see their continual impact this upcoming season."
Southeastern will heavily rely on its returners to set the tone of the upcoming 2026 season as four freshmen and five transfers were added to the roster to compile nine newcomers. Though challenges emerge every new season, the effort and competitiveness showcased in preseason preparations has Gillespie excited to see the results this team could produce in the fall.
"I think the freshmen have slotted right into things and are looking more mature on the field than you would expect when it comes to presence and decision making," commented Gillespie. "From the transfers, Shae Kuntz has brought her D1 experience with her to Hammond and has looked a cool character on the field. Overall we're excited about our strength in numbers and what this group will bring to the field."
SLU will open the 2026 season at home as Louisiana-Lafayette visits Strawberry Stadium Thursday, Aug. 13 at 7 p.m. Fans are encouraged to come out and pack the berry for the Lions' season home opener against the Ragin' Cajuns. Thursday's match will be streamed on ESPN+.
2026 Women's Soccer Southland Conference Preseason Poll
1. Northwestern State (7), 96 points
2. East Texas A&M, 76 points
T-3. Lamar (2), 74 points
T-3. HCU (1), 74 points
5. SFA (1), 66 points
6. Southeastern, 65 points
7. A&M-Corpus Christi, 51 points
8. UIW, 37 points
9. McNeese, 26 points
T-10. Nicholls, 20 points
T-10. UTRGV, 20 points
*() denotes number of first-place votes
SCORE ONE MORE CLUB/S CLUB
Fans interested in becoming active supporters of the women's soccer program are encouraged to join the Score One More Club. Lion alums are encouraged to join the exclusive S Club, which is restricted to Southeastern athletic letter winners. All membership fees and donations to Score One More Club are available for the exclusive use of the Southeastern soccer program. Membership information is available by contacting the Lion Athletics Association at laa@southeastern.edu or (985) 549-5091 or visiting www.LionUp.com.
SOCIAL MEDIA
For more information on Southeastern Soccer, follow @LionUpSoccer and @Nathan90G on X, like /SLUathletics on Facebook and follow slusoccer on Instagram.
