PULASKI, Tenn. — The University of Tennessee Southern women's soccer team received votes in the NAIA Women's Soccer Preseason Top 25 Poll, released Wednesday by the national office.
The Firehawks were among eight programs listed in the receiving votes category and enter the 2026 season with national recognition as they prepare for another challenging campaign under head coach Will Austin.
The recognition comes on the heels of UT Southern being picked third in the Southern States Athletic Conference Women's Soccer Coaches' Preseason Poll, where the Firehawks collected four first-place votes. The Firehawks return one of the conference's most experienced and talented rosters as Austin begins his 11th season at the helm.
Austin owns a 173-31-17 career record and an .821 winning percentage, both program bests. Under his leadership, UT Southern has established itself as one of the NAIA's premier programs, compiling five NAIA Quarterfinal appearances, two NAIA Second Round appearances, one NAIA Semifinal appearance, and capturing the 2021 NAIA National Championship.
The Firehawks return three First Team All-SSAC performers in Millie Rayner, Mia Saum, and Kamilia Tayebi, while also welcoming a talented group of newcomers expected to make an immediate impact.
UT Southern's challenging 2026 schedule features five opponents ranked in the preseason NAIA Top 25. The Firehawks will host No. 3 Embry-Riddle (Ariz.), No. 11 Indiana Wesleyan, No. 16 Lindsey Wilson (Ky.), and No. 9 William Carey (Miss.) at Grissom Pitch, while also traveling to face No. 13 Life (Ga.) during conference play.
Keiser (Fla.) claimed the top spot in the preseason rankings after receiving 19 first-place votes. Cumberlands (Ky.), Embry-Riddle (Ariz.), Oklahoma Wesleyan, and Marian (Ind.) rounded out the top five.
Among Southern States Athletic Conference members, William Carey led the way at No. 9, followed by Life at No. 13. Xavier (La.) and UT Southern were also recognized nationally in the receiving votes category.
The Firehawks open the 2026 campaign with an exhibition match at UAH on Aug. 16 before officially opening the regular season on Aug. 20 against preseason No. 3 Embry-Riddle at Grissom Pitch.
NAIA Top 25 Opponents on UT Southern's 2026 Schedule
- No. 3 Embry-Riddle (Ariz.)
- No. 9 William Carey (Miss.)
- No. 11 Indiana Wesleyan
- No. 13 Life (Ga.)
- No. 16 Lindsey Wilson (Ky.)
Receiving Votes
Aquinas (Mich.), Xavier (La.), Northwestern Ohio, Tennessee Wesleyan, Hastings (Neb.), SCAD Savannah (Ga.), Southern Oregon, Tennessee Southern.
