SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The Big West announced its 2026 Women's Soccer Preseason Coaches' Poll and Team Wednesday morning. Senior defender
Emily Caughey was tabbed as one of the 11 Preseason All-Big West selections, while the Gauchos were picked as co-favorites with Cal Poly. UC Santa Barbara received four first place votes, while accumulating 100 points in the poll.
The Gauchos aim to return to their third consecutive Championship Final this season after winning the title in 2024 and falling just short in the Championship game in 2025. The Gauchos are coming off a season that saw them go 13-5-5, the fourth most wins in a single season in 2025.
Emily Caughey has been a mainstay on the back line since her arrival to UC Santa Barbara. She has appeared in 63 games while making 59 starts as a defender. She has played over 1,150 minutes each season and just last year recorded a season high in goals (2) and points (5).
Fans can get their first look at the 2026 Women's Soccer team on Saturday, August 8, as they take on Trinity Western in an exhibition at Harder Stadium at 7:30 p.m. Season tickets are available and can be purchased online, in person or by phone at (805) 893-UCSB (8272).
2026 Preseason Coaches' Poll
T-1. Cal Poly -- 100 (5)
T-1. UC Santa Barbara -- 100 (4)
3. Cal State Fullertong -- 98 (1)
4. Utah Valley -- 95 (2)
5. UC Irvine -- 76
6. California Baptist -- 75
7. Long Beach State -- 72
8. CSUN -- 58
9. UC San Diego -- 45
10. Cal State Bakersfield -- 33
11. UC Riverside -- 22
12. Sacramento State -- 18
2026 Preseason Coaches' Team
Radisson Banks -- Forward -- Long Beach State
Emily Caughey -- Defender -- UC Santa Barbara
Josie Clawson -- Midfielder -- Utah Valley
Haley Clingan -- Defender -- UC Irvine
Cherrie Cox -- Foward -- Long Beach State
Camryn Cruz -- Midfielder -- Cal State Fullerton
Anja Jestrovic -- Forward/Midfielder -- California Baptist
Sydney Lipkin -- Defender -- CSUN
Mikayla O'Brien -- Goalkeeper -- California Baptist
Mia Owens -- Defender -- Utah Valley
Annika Smith -- Forward -- Cal Poly
