ROCK HILL, S.C. – Anderson University women's soccer has been tabbed to finish sixth in the South Atlantic Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll, announced by the league office on Tuesday.

After being picked eighth in the 2022 poll, the Trojans finished the 2022 season, 10-4-4 overall and 6-2-3 (4^th place) in the South Atlantic Conference. The Black and Gold won 10 games for the first time since the 2015 season and hosted a SAC quarterfinal match for the first time since the 2018 campaign.

Catawba has been selected as the favorite to win the 2023 SAC Championship, earning eight first place votes and a total of 118 points. Lenoir-Rhyne picked up one four first place votes earning a total of 114 points for a second-place prediction. Wingate landed in the third spot with 96 points. Carson-Newman was slotted fourth while Limestone was voted fifth. Anderson grabbed the sixth spot with Newberry claiming the seventh slot. Tusculum lands in the eighth spot with Lincoln Memorial, Coker, Mars Hill and Emory & Henry rounding out the final four positions of the SAC 2023 Preseason Poll.

Senior Emma Deadwyler, Sophomore Camryn Woods and Sophomore Carly Keuffer earn SAC Second Team preseason honors, while Seniors Bethany Anderson and Kristin Cole and sophomore Meggie Powell land on the SAC Third Team.

Deadwyler was named to the 2022 SAC Second Team after having a solid junior campaign. The native of Travelers Rest, S.C., scored seven goals and was credited with three assists on the season. Deadwyler played a vital role in the Trojans success this past season, as the offence looked to use her speed to make things happen around the goal. Deadwyler scored three game-winners on the season.

Woods had a tremendous freshman season, leading the team in goals (9) scored while ranking fourth overall in the SAC. The native of Bettendorf, Iowa was also credited with three saves, ranking fifth in total points (21) in the SAC.

Keuffer had a stellar first year as a defender for the Trojans. The native of Mason, Ohio helped lead the Black and Gold to seven shutouts. Keuffer strong leg was used for corner kicks, goal kicks and most set-pieces, resulting in a team-high six assists.

Anderson made all 18 starts, scoring two goals with a game winner. She recorded two assists while taking 29 shots with 13 coming on goal.

Both Cole and Powell played a vital role on the backline to help the Trojans record 10 clean sheets. Cole made all 18 starts and scored two goals. Powell played in 17 games making 17 starts. She also scored two goals with one being a game-winner and recorded three assists for the Black and Gold.

Anderson opens its 2023 campaign on the road at Belmont Abbey with its home debut on September 2^nd versus Flagler. Kick-off is slated for 1 pm at Spero Financial Field.  

2023 SAC Women's Soccer Preseason Poll

 2023 SAC Women's Soccer All-Conference PRESEASON 

First Team

F – Elin Hansson, Lenoir-Rhyne

F – Hannah Dunn, Catawba

F – Helen Summerell, Catawba

F – Jaidyn Jacobs, Newberry

MF – Sydney Jimmo, Catawba

MF – Kasey Hahn, Catawba

MF – Caroline Peters, Wingate

MF – Ria Acton, Lenoir-Rhyne

D – Kelly Havens, Catawba

D – Louise Berg, Lenoir-Rhyne

D – Kate Casey, Lenoir-Rhyne

D – Sascha Larsen, Wingate

GK – Samantha Aguilar-Hopkins, Limestone

Second Team

F – Sydney Grant, Tusculum

F – Emma Deadwyler, Anderson

F – Brianna Ditillo, Wingate

F – Addie Henry, Carson-Newman

MF – Neve Duston, Lenoir-Rhyne

MF – Camryn Woods, Anderson

MF – Carola Busquets, Lenoir-Rhyne

MF – Marianne Ross, Mars Hill

D – Carly Keuffer, Anderson

D – Nicole Cristy, Wingate

D – Nour Noujaim, Coker

D – Abbie Zander, Carson-Newman

GK – Katrine Thisgaard, Wingate

Third Team

F – Corinne Denton, Lincoln Memorial

F - Stina Roswall, Limestone

MF – Evan O'Leary, Lenoir-Rhyne

MF – Felicia Frick, Carson-Newman

MF – Sharon Mayes, Catawba

MF – Bethany Anderson, Anderson

D – Kristen Cole, Anderson

D – Meggie Powell, Anderson

D – Marja Enste, Tusculum

D - Emily Castaneda, Newberry

GK – Grayson Patterson, Tusculum