PITMAN, NJ – Rowan has been selected as the preseason favorite in the 2025 New Jersey Athletic Conference Women's Soccer Coaches Poll, receiving seven of the 10 first-place votes in balloting by the league's head coaches.
Defending champion TCNJ picked up the remaining three first-place votes to place second, while Montclair State was chosen third. Kean was tabbed as this year's dark horse in fourth, followed by Stockton, Rutgers-Camden, NJCU, Rutgers-Newark, William Paterson, and Ramapo.
The top six teams will qualify for the 2025 NJAC Women's Soccer Tournament, which is scheduled for November 1 (quarterfinals), November 4 (semifinals), and November 7 (championship). The tournament champion will earn the league's automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Women's Soccer Tournament.
NJAC WOMEN'S SOCCER PRESEASON POLL
(first place votes in parentheses)
- Rowan (7)
- TCNJ (3)
- Montclair State
- Kean (dark horse)
- Stockton
- Rutgers-Camden
- NJCU
- Rutgers-Newark
- William Paterson
- Ramapo
ROWAN
Rowan enters 2025 as the preseason favorite after returning the reigning NJAC Offensive Player of the Year Olivia Giordano, who tied for the league lead with 15 goals and ranked second in points. Midfielder Lianna SanFelice, a two-time First Team All-NJAC pick, adds playmaking ability after finishing second in the league with eight assists. On the backline, veteran defender Julianna Giordano brings leadership and all-conference experience, while younger players such as MaKala Baker step into bigger roles. Rowan also welcomes a strong group of newcomers, including transfer Hannah Ferris from Division II program Kutztown. With proven scoring and depth across the roster, the Profs look built for another championship run. The Profs are also receiving votes in the preseason United Soccer Coaches Division III preseason poll.
Newcomers to Watch: Hannah Ferris (M/B; Swedesboro, NJ/Kutztown University), Addie Hammond (M; Pittsburgh, PA/North Allegheny), Lexi Dzierzgowski (F; Sewell, NJ/Washington Twp.)
Head Coach Scott Leacott: "Returning the majority of our team, we should be a top contender for the NJAC and beyond. [We have a] competitive non-league schedule to prepare for a great run this season."
TCNJ
TCNJ enters 2025 ranked 20th in the United Soccer Coaches preseason poll. The Lions look to remain among the league's elite despite graduating five all-conference players, including the NJAC Midfielder and Defender of the Year. The Lions return Alyssa Alfano, who led the NJAC with 10 assists last season and added four goals for 18 points, and forward Jenny Ward, the team's top goal scorer with six. In the back, Ellen Williams returns after leading the conference in goals-against average (0.577) and shutouts (11), while Bella Norman adds versatility after shifting to defense last fall. Several incoming transfers, including Ari Keily (Monmouth) and Charlotte Hare (Dickinson), are expected to contribute right away.
Newcomers to Watch: Ari Keily (M; Manalapan, NJ/Monmouth University), Charlotte Hare (M; Pennington, NJ/Dickinson College), Jordyn Gavini (Middletown, NJ/Brookdale CC)
Head Coach Danny Blank: "We'll have a lot of new faces in our starting line-up, so everything depends on how quickly we can gel as a cohesive unit. We're excited to see how we stack up in a strong NJAC conference."
MONTCLAIR STATE
Montclair State will look to replace the production of five-time all-conference standout Aileen Cahill, but the Red Hawks return proven talent. Three-time First Team All-NJAC forward Kylie Prendergast leads the attack after finishing among the league's top 10 in goals, while Shannon Mullins, the 2023 NJAC Rookie of the Year, adds creativity in the midfield. Defensively, the Red Hawks boast Salange Bell, the reigning NJAC Goalkeeper of the Year, who recorded eight shutouts and a .854 save percentage as a freshman. Midfielder Emily Schuler provides additional stability after starting 21 matches last fall. With impact transfers and steady leadership, Montclair expects to stay in contention.
Newcomers to Watch: Isabell Kronow (F; Branchburg, NJ/Rider University), Carly Guzzardo (B; Marlboro, NJ/Marlboro)
Head Coach Patrick Naughter: "We will need to replace several key players, but are confident in our talent level. If we are able to stay healthy we hope to compete for a postseason berth."
KEAN
Kean is led by Ella Petrosh, the reigning NJAC Rookie of the Year, who tallied 15 points on six goals and three assists as a freshman. She's joined by veteran playmaker Mariaelena Torres, a two-time all-conference selection, who added 10 points last fall. In the back, Georgia Boberg returns after starting every match, while Sierra Fisbeck is poised to step into a larger role. The Cougars also bring in a deep recruiting class to boost their depth. With a core of proven returners, Kean looks to build on last year's progress and push higher in the standings.
Newcomers to Watch: Stephanie Monroe (M; Marlton, NJ/Cherokee), Kara Marshall (M; Islip Terrace, NY/East Islip), Allison Yiu (B; Succasunna, NJ/Roxbury)
Head Coach Brian Doherty: "This year's squad has a large group of experienced returners who we will lean on for their experience and leadership. We will look to improve on last year's finish. I am excited to see what this group can achieve."
STOCKTON
Stockton will turn to all-conference forwards Logan Shaw and Kylee Reissek to lead the attack after combining for 26 points last season. Shaw ranked in the NJAC's top five in goals, game-winners, and points, while Reissek added four assists and three goals. Defensively, the Ospreys return Riley Schoka, who started all 19 matches, and Isabella Bednarz, who logged over 1,100 minutes. The program also adds several impact newcomers, including transfers Makayla Jaffe (Old Dominion) and Brooke Conaghan (Kutztown). With both veteran scoring and promising additions, Stockton looks ready to remain competitive in 2025.
Newcomers to Watch: Makayla Jaffe (M; Atlantic Highlands, NJ/Old Dominion University), Jadelyn Sayrafe (M; Roosevelt, NJ/Allentown), Brooke Conaghan (F; Millstone Twp., NJ/Kutztown University)
Head Coach Courtney Dougherty: "Our team will have a lot of new faces after graduating a number of long-time starters. We have some exciting incoming freshmen and transfers joining the team that will be making an impact on the field right away, balanced with a few key returners."
RUTGERS-CAMDEN
Rutgers-Camden will be paced by all-conference forward Brianne Reeves and midfielder Ava Stowell, who both tallied nine points last season. Defensively, the Scarlet Raptors bring back a strong back line anchored by Gianna Patitucci, a two-time all-conference center back, and Ashlee Schlagehaft, who logged over 1,100 minutes. Newcomers like Meghan Gorman and Talia Thomasson will compete for immediate playing time, while Giselle Lizardi provides depth in goal. With a mix of veterans and young talent, Camden looks to continue progressing under head coach Kevin Luber.
Newcomers to Watch: Meghan Gorman (D; Gloucester City, NJ/Gloucester City), Talia Thomasson (M; West Deptford, NJ/West Deptford), Giselle Lizardi (GK; Brick, NJ/Brick Memorial)
Head Coach Kevin Luber: "[This is] a young team that is eager to prove themselves in the conference play. I'm excited to see how this group comes together!"
NJCU
NJCU will look to build on a strong core of returners led by three-time all-conference midfielder Nyrohah Alvarenga, the Gothic Knights' top returning scorer with 13 points. She's joined by all-conference midfielder Gineth Arias Martínez, while defenders Gabriella Sharpe and Jessica Digristina bring experience to the back line. Goalkeeper responsibilities will be strengthened by a large newcomer class, including defenders Sophia Veloso and Aubrey Gulbin. Despite the loss of top scorer Kim Brites to graduation, NJCU has the pieces to stay competitive with its mix of returners and fresh talent.
Newcomers to Watch: Isabella Ramirez (F; Elmwood Park, NJ/Elmwood Park), Sophia Veloso (D; North Arlington, NJ/Rutgers-Newark), Aubrey Gulbin (D; Scotch Plains, NJ/Mount Saint Vincent)
Head Coach Anthony Tuesta: "We are excited and looking forward to competing in the NJAC. With a strong core of experienced returners and the addition of a talented group of newcomers ready to make an immediate impact, we're confident in this group's ability to compete at a high level and make a deeper run into the postseason."
RUTGERS-NEWARK
Rutgers-Newark looks to replace two program stalwarts but brings back offensive contributors in Vielka Fernandez, who scored five goals, and Mariana Valencia, who returns after a year off and has 10 career goals. In the midfield, Maria Castillo adds experience as a defensive anchor, while J'nyyah Young brings consistency at outside back. The Scarlet Raiders also bring in a promising newcomer class highlighted by goalkeeper Shaina Sackett, forward Samantha Vieira, and defender Keliah Cottrell. With a blend of experience and new faces, the Scarlet Raiders will aim to establish a new identity in 2025.
Newcomers to Watch: Shaina Sackett (GK; Rockaway, NJ/Morris Hills), Samantha Vieira (F; Woodbridge, NJ/Woodbridge), Keliah Cottrell (B; Franklin Twp., NJ/Franklin)
Head Coach Nate Guagliari: "This year's team is a young, ambitious team here to compete, to challenge, and to create a new culture within our program. Each player brings something unique to the pitch and we are looking forward to seeing what they bring forth together."
WILLIAM PATERSON
William Paterson will rely heavily on its defense after losing four-time all-conference forward Julia Fiorito to graduation. Senior forward Christina Jimenez is the Pioneers' top returning scorer with seven points, while three-time all-conference center back Erin Clark anchors the back line. In goal, Sarah Mantilla provides stability after posting eight shutouts and leading the NJAC in saves per game. Several underclassmen, along with freshmen such as Michaela Mitchell and Ava Schramm, will be called upon to step up offensively.
Newcomers to Watch: Michaela Mitchell (M; Mount Laurel, NJ/Lenape), Ava Schramm (F; Marlton, NJ/Cherokee)
Head Coach Keith Woods: "[We have] a very young team after graduating 10 seniors and seven starters. We will rely on the defense led by Erin Clark. Offensively we will look to Christina Jimenez to lead the attack as well as a group of underclassmen."
RAMAPO
Ramapo brings back leading scorer Amanda Barr, who posted six goals and 13 points last season, along with all-conference midfielder Morgan Korinchak. Defensively, the Roadrunners return the steady duo of Mia Santana and Kasey Pohan, both of whom logged over 1,300 minutes last season. With 20 returners and 10 newcomers, including defender Gianna Santana and forward Julianna Capitanello, Ramapo has both experience and depth entering 2025.
Newcomers to Watch: Gianna Santana (D; Lenape Valley Regional), Keily Sanchez (M; Middle Twp.), Julianna Capitanello (F; Mahwah, NJ/Mahwah)
Head Coach Abby Shiffler: "We are looking forward to another great season with 20 returners and 10 newcomers."