PULASKI, Tenn. — The University of Tennessee Southern women's soccer team continued to receive national recognition in the latest NAIA Women's Soccer Top 25 Poll, released Wednesday by the national office.
The Firehawks were among 15 programs receiving votes outside the Top 25 and remain on the national radar as they navigate one of the toughest schedules in the country.
UT Southern opened the regular season with a 2-0 victory over LSU Alexandria and has already faced one nationally ranked opponent in No. 5 Indiana Wesleyan. The Firehawks were also scheduled to host No. 3 Embry-Riddle in their home opener, but the match was canceled due to thunderstorms. Indiana Wesleyan, meanwhile, vaulted six spots in this week's poll following its unbeaten start to the season.
The challenging early-season slate is nothing new for a program that has consistently competed among the NAIA's elite under head coach Will Austin. Entering his 11th season, Austin owns a 174-32-17 career record and an .821 winning percentage, both tops in program history. Under his leadership, the Firehawks have captured the 2021 NAIA National Championship while also making five NAIA Quarterfinal appearances, two NAIA Second Round appearances, and one NAIA Semifinal appearance.
UT Southern also entered the season as one of the favorites in the Southern States Athletic Conference after being selected third in the SSAC Women's Soccer Coaches' Preseason Poll. The Firehawks received four first-place votes, the second-most of any team in the conference.
Among SSAC programs, William Carey remained ranked No. 10 nationally, while Life climbed to No. 12. Xavier and UT Southern were both listed among teams receiving votes.
Cumberlands (Ky.) claimed the No. 1 spot in this week's rankings with nine first-place votes. Keiser (Fla.), Embry-Riddle (Ariz.), Marian (Ind.), and Indiana Wesleyan rounded out the top five.
The Firehawks' 2026 schedule continues to feature nationally ranked competition, including upcoming matches against No. 12 Life, No. 13 Lindsey Wilson, and No. 10 William Carey.
UT Southern returns to action Saturday, Sept. 5, when the Firehawks host Eastern Oregon at Grissom Pitch. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Ranked Opponents on UT Southern's 2026 Schedule
- No. 3 Embry-Riddle (Ariz.)*
- No. 5 Indiana Wesleyan
- No. 10 William Carey (Miss.)
- No. 12 Life (Ga.)
- No. 13 Lindsey Wilson (Ky.)
*Match canceled due to thunderstorms.
Receiving Votes
Aquinas (Mich.), Briar Cliff (Iowa), Campbellsville (Ky.), Clarke (Iowa), Eastern Oregon, Graceland (Iowa), Hastings (Neb.), Mobile (Ala.), Science & Arts (Okla.), Southern Oregon, Tennessee Southern, Tennessee Wesleyan, The Master's (Calif.), Westcliff (Calif.), Xavier (La.).
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