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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Lee University and the University of West Florida were selected as the top contenders in the annual 2024 Gulf South Conference Women’s Soccer Preseason Poll. The poll and preseason teams were chosen by the conference’s head coaches, who were not allowed to vote for their own team or players.
The Argonauts were at the top of the preseason rankings for the first time since 2019, receiving 143 total points and 11 out of 12 first-place votes. West Florida is the defending GSC regular season champions.
Defending GSC tournament champions Lee were picked second with 129 points and two first-place votes. Mississippi College came in third with 123 points, followed by the University of Montevallo with 110 points, and Union University with 95 points in fourth and fifth place, respectively. Valdosta State University garnered 90 points for sixth place, the University of West Alabama received 72 points for seventh place, and the University of Alabama in Huntsville held eighth place with 70 points.
Under the leadership of first-year coach Lee Hughes, the Lady Flames will aim to fill the void left by four key players from the previous season, but they have six returning starters, including All-GSC preseason selections like midfielder Grace Berry and defender Avery Sides.
This year’s preseason team includes 14 student-athletes from six schools, with 12 players earning postseason All-GSC honors last season. West Florida led with five selections, including Mya Swinton, the GSC Player of the Year from last season.
This season marks the 29th season of GSC women’s soccer and will feature Trevecca Nazarene University as a new member of the conference. Teams will play 12 conference games over seven weeks.
The official start of the season is set for Thursday, Sept. 5, with conference play beginning on Sept. 20 against West Alabama. The GSC Women’s Soccer Championship is scheduled for Nov. 10, 15, and 17.
Exciting New Era for Lady Flames Soccer
The Lee women’s soccer team is entering an exciting new era under Coach Lee Hughes. Former coach Chris Hennessey has moved on to the University of South Alabama, and Coach Hughes has started working with the team.
Coach Hughes has several key players returning, including goalkeeper Abby Whitcomb, defenders Katie Wilson, Jordan Blair, and Avery Sides, and midfielders Ashley Eulo and Grace Berry. The team will work on building a new lineup after a successful season last year.
Coach Hughes emphasized the importance of unity and hard work in preseason training, with a focus on improving both attacking and defensive transitions. He expects the team to display a high-energy, fast, and exciting style of play.
The regular season will kick off on Sept. 6th against Eckerd College, followed by a match against the University of Tampa on Sept. 8th. Coach Hughes is confident that the team’s high energy and work ethic will give them an advantage in the competitive matches ahead.
Preseason Coaches’ Poll
1. West Florida (11) – 143
2. Lee (2) – 129
3. Mississippi College – 123
4. Montevallo – 110
5. Union – 95
6. Valdosta State – 90
7. West Alabama – 72
8. Alabama Huntsville – 70
9. Trevecca Nazarene – 52
10. Christian Brothers – 47
11. Auburn Montgomery – 30
12. Delta State – 29
13. Spring Hill – 24
2024 Preseason All-GSC Team
(Coach Hughes) – List of players
