WSU Picked Third in Pac-12 Preseason Coaches Poll

PULLMAN, Wash. – The Washington State women's soccer program was voted third in the Pac-12 Preseason Coaches Poll, the conference announced Wednesday.
 
The ranking marks the highest selection in program history for the Cougars in a conference preseason poll. The Cougs were selected in the top half of the conference for the fourth-straight season, and received two first place votes for the first time in program history.
 
The announcement is one of several preseason accolades for the Cougars, who were ranked No. 20, nationally, in the United Soccer Coaches (USC) preseason poll. In addition, USC named sophomore goalkeeper Nadia Cooper and fifth-year defender Mykiaa Minniss to the organization's 'Division I Players to Watch' lists.
 
Washington State returns a strong defensive core for this season's campaign, including All-Pac-12 selections Minniss and Bridget Rieken, and anchored by Cooper, the reigning Pac-12 Freshman and Goalkeeper of the Year. In the attacking third, Grayson Lynch returns as the Cougars' top leading goalscorer, netting eight during the 2021 campaign, playing in front of all-conference midfielder Sydney Studer.
 
WSU begins the 2022 season Thursday, Aug. 18 in Ann Arbor, Mich. with a matchup against No. 9 Michigan at 4 p.m. PT (7 p.m. ET). Prior to the top-25 matchup, the Cougars prepare for the fall season with an exhibition match against Gonzaga, Thursday, Aug. 11 at Lower Soccer Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
 
2022 Pac-12 Coaches Preseason Poll
Rank.    School – Points (First place votes)

1.    Stanford - 116 (6)
2.    UCLA - 112 (4)
3.    Washington State - 100 (2)
4.    USC - 88
5.    Colorado - 79
6.    California - 70
7.    Washington - 52
8.    Oregon - 51
9.    Utah - 46
10. Arizona State - 41
11. Oregon State - 22
12. Arizona - 15