WKU soccer picked to finish ninth by coaches in C-USA preseason poll

Sophomore defender Alanna Clancy (22) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal in the 84th minute to take a 2-1 lead over Lipscomb.

Kyle Williams

WKU soccer has been selected to finish tied for ninth place with rival Middle Tennessee in the C-USA preseason coaches’ poll released on Tuesday. 

In addition, no Lady Toppers were selected to the preseason all-conference team.

North Texas’ Rachel Holden was tabbed as the Preseason Offensive Player of the Year and Charlotte’s Monica Trickett was chosen as the Preseason Defensive Player of the Year.

Defending Eastern Division champion Charlotte has been tabbed as the favorite heading into the season. The Lady Toppers will welcome the 49ers to the WKU Soccer Complex on Oct. 8 for their first home C-USA match.

Head coach Jason Neidell said the Lady Toppers expected the preseason ranking, according to a press release. 

“Coming into a new conference I knew we would have to earn respect,” Neidell said. “I think being picked ninth will give us some motivation throughout the season. It’s not about where you start. It’s about where you finish.”

2014 C-USA PRESEASON POLL

1. Charlotte

2. North Texas

3. Rice

4. FIU

5. UTEP

6. UAB

7. Marshall

8. Florida Atlantic

T9. Middle Tennessee

T9. WKU

11. UTSA

12. LA Tech

13. Old Dominion

14. Southern Miss

2014 C-USA PRESEASON OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Rachel Holden, So., F, North Texas

2014 C-USA PRESEASON DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Monica Trickett, Jr., D, Charlotte

2014 C-USA PRESEASON ALL-CONFERENCE TEAM

Amanda Jones, Sr., M, Charlotte

Monica Trickett, Jr., D, Charlotte

Ashleigh Shim, Sr., F, FIU

Claire Emslie, Jr., M, Florida Atlantic

Olivia M’Bala, R-Sr., D, Florida Atlantic

Rachel Holden, So., F, North Texas

Holly Hargreaves, Jr., F, Rice

Lauren Hughes, Jr., F, Rice

Quinny Truong, Sr., M, Rice

Aleah Davis, R-So., M, UTEP

Bubba Makela, So., GK, UTSA