Women's Soccer Earns Votes in United Soccer Coaches Preseason Poll

BOSTON, Mass. – For the first time in program history, the Wentworth Institute of Technology women's soccer team has earned a spot among schools receiving votes in a pre-season national poll. The Leopards were at the top of the list of 10 schools to receive votes outside of the Top 25 in the United Soccer Coaches Division III Women's Preseason Poll. This marks the second time the Black & Gold has received votes on a national level, having received 11 votes in the final 2016 D3Soccer.com Women's Poll.

Defending national champion Washington (Mo.) claimed the top spot in the poll, followed by Messiah, which battled Washington to a 1-1 draw in the national championship game before falling on penalty kicks. The University of Chicago, William Smith, and Trinity (Texas) round out the top five.

Wentworth enjoyed its finest season in program history in 2016 as the Leopards captured both the Commonwealth Coast Conference Regular-Season and Tournament Championships, en route to finishing 16-4-3. By virtue of winning the CCC Tournament crown, the Black & Gold punched its first-ever ticket to the NCAA Division III Tournament where Wentworth defeated Arcadia, 1-0, in the first round before falling to Williams, 1-0, in the round of 32. Both the conference championship and NCAA tournament appearance were the first-ever for a women's sports program at Wentworth.

Under first-year head coach Meredith Carey, the Leopards anticipate returning 18 letterwinners from last year's squad, including CCC Offensive Player of the Year Emily Richard (Fremont, N.H.), CCC Rookie of the Year Sidney Brogan (Los Angeles, Calif.), and third team all-conference selection Micaela Robinson (Goshen, N.Y.).

Two of the Leopards' 2017 opponents are among the preseason Top 25 as Brandies is sixth and Amherst is 14th. Wentworth plays host to both of these schools on September 9 and 17, respectively.

Wentworth opens preseason practice on Saturday, August 19, and opens its 2017 slate on Friday, September 1, at Babson. Carey was an assistant coach with the Beavers for seven seasons before joining the Leopards in June.

Founded in 1941, United Soccer Coaches (formerly known as the National Soccer Coaches Association of America) is the trusted and unifying voice, advocate and partner for coaches at all levels of the game. The association provides programs and services that enhance, encourage and contribute to the development and recognition of soccer coaches, their players and the game we love. To learn more, visit UnitedSoccerCoaches.org.

For the latest on Wentworth Athletics, follow the Leopards via social media on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Fans can also download the Wentworth Leopards "Front Row" mobile app, powered by PrestoSports, on iTunes and the Android Market.