UNCW women’s soccer picked second in CAA South preseason poll, 4 players recognized

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The UNCW women’s soccer team has been picked to finish second in the Coastal Athletic Association’s South Division preseason poll.

The Seahawks received four first-place votes, finishing behind reigning CAA champion Elon.

UNCW forward Hailey Longwell and midfielder Ava Chuderewicz were named to the Preseason All-CAA Team. Rachel Fry and Ava Vaughan received preseason honorable mention recognition.

Longwell returns after earning CAA Attacking Player of the Year honors in 2025. She was the first player in program history to receive the award.

Longwell was also named to the 2026 NCAA Division I Women’s Players to Watch list for forwards.

UNCW opens the regular season Thursday, Aug. 13, at App State before traveling to Western Carolina on Aug. 16. Both matches will be available on ESPN+.