DAYTON, Tenn. – The Bryan College women's soccer team has been selected to finish 13th in the 2026 Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Women's Soccer Preseason Coaches' Poll, the conference announced Tuesday.

The Lady Lions received 36 points in the preseason voting, which was conducted by the AAC's women's soccer coaches. Bryan enters the 2026 campaign with a strong group of newcomers and a continued focus on developing the culture and identity of the program.

"We're excited about the group we have coming in and the energy they've brought to the program," said Head Coach Jake Warren. "We have a solid group of freshmen who are eager to learn, compete, and contribute. Our goal is to continue building a strong culture where everyone understands what it means to be a part of Bryan women's soccer."

The Lady Lions will look to use the preseason expectations as motivation as they work to build chemistry and establish their identity early in the season.

"Culture doesn't happen overnight," added Coach Warren. "It's something we're intentional about every day. We're focused on building trust, competing for one another, and creating an environment where our players can continue to grow both on and off the field."

Truett McConnell University was tabbed as the preseason favorite, collecting 11 of the 13 first-place votes and 180 total points. The Lady Bears have won or shared the AAC regular-season championship in each of the last four seasons while capturing three of the last four conference tournament titles.

Tennessee Wesleyan, the 2025 AAC Tournament champion, was picked second with 170 points and received the remaining two first-place votes. Milligan (141), Columbia International (134), and Reinhardt (130) completed the top five.

The complete 2026 AAC Women's Soccer Preseason Poll is listed below:
2026 AAC Women's Soccer Preseason Poll
1. Truett McConnell (11 first-place votes) – 180
2. Tennessee Wesleyan (2 first-place votes) – 170
3. Milligan – 141
4. Columbia International – 134
5. Reinhardt – 130
6. Pikeville – 124
7. Montreat – 103
8. Brenau – 86
9. Spartanburg Methodist – 69
10. Johnson – 65
11. Columbia – 59
12. Union Commonwealth – 55
13. Bryan – 36
14. Bluefield – 13

The 2026 AAC Tournament will feature the top eight teams in the conference standings. The tournament's opening round is scheduled for Nov. 3, with the championship match set for Nov. 11.
Bryan will look to build on its preseason preparation and the continued development of its program when the 2026 season gets underway.