Trevecca Men’s Soccer Ranked No. 8, Women’s Soccer Picked No. 10 in GSC Preseason Poll
NASHVILLE, TN - The Trevecca Nazarene University soccer spotlight is bright entering 2026, as both the men’s and women’s programs were recognized in the Gulf South Conference Preseason Coaches’ Poll.
After earning a GSC postseason berth for the second straight season, the Trevecca men’s team begins 2026 picked No. 8 in the league’s preseason rankings. The Trojans tallied 42 points in voting by the conference’s 11 head coaches. In the poll, AUM was selected as the preseason favorite, followed by Mississippi Christian, Christian Brothers, UAH, and Montevallo to complete the top five.
Trevecca’s early look from the GSC also includes talent entering the midfield. The Trojans placed three players on the 2026 GSC Newcomers Watch List: Joe Coyle (Jr., Midfield, Liverpool, England), Levi Jones (Fr., Midfield, Freetown, Sierra Leone), and Zion Jones (Fr., Forward, Freetown, Sierra Leone). Their preseason recognition adds fresh depth to a program led by returning coaching leadership.
On the sidelines, Danny Leavy returns to guide Trevecca for an 18th season, continuing the momentum that brought the Trojans back to postseason play the last two years. Shane Cronin has been elevated to associate head coach, working alongside Leavy with the men’s soccer program.
The Trojans’ preseason position is backed by a strong attacking core and steady returnees, including forward Chris Douglas, junior Daniel Shiel, and midfield experience such as Jack Franklin. Trevecca also brings back key defensive contributors and a goalkeeper in Hunter Walker, who set a high bar after a standout freshman season.
The Trevecca women’s soccer program enters 2026 under head coach Matheus Mello for its second season, picked No. 10 after receiving 38 points from the 12 GSC head coaches. Lee was named preseason favorite, with Montevallo and West Alabama close behind.
Trevecca’s women’s team also drew preseason attention through the GSC Newcomers Watch List, naming Elsa Bengtsson (So., Forward), Emma Burnham (So., Defender), and Olivia Ulfvin (Fr., Defender). Veteran leadership up front and through the midfield remains a core strength, with returners including Anna Farrell, Noelle Garcia, and Riley Kate Collins.
With challenging stretches ahead for both teams, Trevecca is positioned to make noise early in conference play—and build from preseason expectations into results on the pitch.
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