UNCW women’s soccer wins first CAA championship since 2009, earns NCAA Tournament berth

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — For the first time in 17 years, the UNCW women’s soccer team is celebrating a conference championship. The Seahawks defeated Towson 3-1 on Saturday to capture the 2026 Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) title on their home field, securing an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

The victory marked UNCW’s first conference championship since 2009, sparking celebrations among players, coaches and fans. UNCW head coach Chris Neal said the moment was about more than just winning a championship.

“We have an old saying that winning is fun but winning with people you love to be around is priceless and that’s what that’s all about,” Neal said.

The Seahawks wasted little time giving the home crowd something to cheer about. Abbey Pierson opened the scoring for UNCW, finding the back of the net to give the Seahawks an early advantage.

“I’m just so happy I was in the right place at the right time,” Pierson said. “I mean shoutout to Kamrey and Hailey who got the ball there, scoring that was one of the highlights of my career.”

Neal praised Pierson’s ability to create scoring opportunities.

“We call her on frame Abbey when she shoots it’s going to be dangerous,” Neal said.

Allie Planeaux followed with another goal, giving UNCW a 2-0 lead heading into halftime.

“Needed to score in the first half to exhale a little bit and take control,” Neal said.

UNCW continued its offensive success in the second half when Hailey Longwell added a third goal, extending the Seahawks’ lead to 3-0. Towson eventually responded with a goal of its own, but the Tigers were unable to overcome UNCW’s advantage.

For Pierson, the championship victory was an unforgettable moment.

“I am speechless this has been the best game of soccer I’ve ever played in,” Pierson said. “I’m so proud of my team. I’m so proud of how hard we’ve worked this season and I’m just so happy and its so well deserved.”

Neal described the emotions following the victory as overwhelming.

“Euphoria, right?” Neal said. “What a perfect season so it’s hard to no one’s ever been here before at least I haven’t so just very proud, on cloud nine.”

The celebrations continued beyond the soccer field, with the team carrying its championship excitement into the UNCW men’s basketball game later Saturday.

Now, the Seahawks are turning their attention to the national stage. With the CAA title, UNCW earns an automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament, giving the program an opportunity to continue its postseason run.

Pierson thanked Seahawks fans for their support throughout the season while making it clear the team has more to accomplish.

“From myself and our whole team guys thank you so much for all your support this season,” Pierson said. “Go Seahawks and we are not done yet.”

UNCW will learn its first-round NCAA Tournament opponent during the selection show on Monday, November 16, at 4 p.m.