Concordia-St. Paul has been selected to finish second in the 2026 NSIC Preseason Women's Soccer Coaches Poll, earning 204 points and three first-place votes. The Golden Bears are led by sophomore midfielder Sophia Haase, who was named NSIC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year after an impressive 2025 season, where she notched 10 goals and 22 points. Minnesota State topped the poll with 223 points and 13 first-place votes, coming off a championship season. With a blend of returning players and talented newcomers, Coach Steve Bellis is optimistic about the team's potential as they prepare for the upcoming season.

By the Numbers
  • Concordia-St. Paul received 204 points in the preseason poll.
  • Sophia Haase led the team last season with 10 goals and 22 points.
State of Play
  • The Golden Bears are coming off an 8th straight trip to the NSIC Tournament with a record of 12-3-5.
  • Sophomore defender Maddison Balashaitis was recognized as the Defensive Player to Watch for her performance last season.
What's Next

The Golden Bears will kick off their season at Sea Foam Stadium against Ferris State on August 29, followed by road matches against Parkside and Roosevelt early September. The team's depth and competitive training environment may drive stronger performances this season.

Bottom Line

Concordia-St. Paul shows a strong potential for success in the upcoming season, driven by standout players like Haase and a solid coaching foundation aiming to elevate the program's performance further.