ACC Women’s Soccer 2024 Preseason Rankings and All-ACC Team unveiled

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Coming off its fourth national championship a season ago, Florida State has been selected as the favorite in the annual Preseason Atlantic Coast Conference Women’s Soccer Coaches Poll. In addition, the 2024 Preseason Women’s Soccer All-ACC Team was also announced.

The Seminoles, who are coming off their fourth national championship in 10 seasons, claimed their fourth straight ACC title in 2023 and have not lost a regular-season league match since October 20, 2022. FSU, which totaled 15 first-place votes and 255 points, returns 10 players to this season’s roster including ACC Freshman of the Year Jordynn Dudley, who ranked second in the league and 12th nationally in goals with 14 last year. Dudley joined teammates Heather Gilchrist and Taylor Huff on this year’s Preseason All-ACC Team.

Following Florida State, ACC newcomer Stanford received the final two first-place votes and finished second in the annual poll with 235 points. The Cardinal, who are also coming off a 20-win campaign, advanced to last season’s national championship for the first time since 2019. Midfielder Jasmine Aikey, who was a Hermann Trophy semifinalist last season, and defender Elise Evans earned spots on this season’s Preseason All-ACC Team.

(+READ: Legendary UNC head coach Anson Dorrance to retire after 47 seasons, 21 NCAA titles)

Notre Dame (211 points), North Carolina (187) and Clemson (186) round out the top five in the preseason poll. All three teams won at least one match in last season’s NCAA Tournament, headlined by Clemson’s first-ever trip to the College Cup. Notre Dame midfielder Leah Klenke earned a spot on the preseason team after posting 10 assists a season ago.

Virginia finished sixth with 177 points, as the Cavalier duo of senior Lia Godfrey and junior Maggie Cagle were voted to the Preseason All-ACC Team. With 175 points, Duke earned the seventh spot as junior striker Kat Rader was the lone Blue Devil on the preseason team. Pitt landed eighth with 168 points and placed two players on the Preseason All-ACC Team with forward Sarah Schupansky and midfielder Deborah Abiodun.

Rounding out the top 10 was Wake Forest (160 points) in ninth and Virginia Tech (116) in 10th. Last season, the Demon Deacons appeared in the Ally ACC Women’s Soccer Tournament for the first time since 2021, dropping their first-round matchup to third-seeded Clemson.

ACC newcomer California (111 points) landed 11th, as junior Teagan Wy was the lone goalkeeper to be named to this year’s Preseason All-ACC Team. NC State (85) finished 12th, Louisville (80) claimed 13th and Boston College and SMU tied at 14th with 50 points apiece. Miami (44) and Syracuse (22) rounded out this season’s poll in 16th and 17th, respectively.

The ACC kicks off the season with seven teams in the Top 25 of the Preseason United Soccer Coaches Poll, tying for the most in the nation. A nation-best five ACC teams are in the top 10, as Florida State and Stanford lead the way at No. 1 and No. 2, respectively. Clemson opens the year at No. 5, Pitt is No. 7 and North Carolina tied for No. 8. Notre Dame is No. 15 and Duke rounded out the ACC contingent at No. 24. Virginia and Wake Forest begin the year receiving votes.

The regular season opens up Thursday, August 15 with 16 of the league’s 17 members beginning their seasons. League play gets underway on Thursday, September 12.

2024 Preseason ACC Women’s Soccer Coaches Poll

1. Florida State (15), 255
2. Stanford (2), 235
3. Notre Dame, 211
4. North Carolina, 187
5. Clemson, 186
6. Virginia, 177
7. Duke, 175
8. Pitt, 168
9. Wake Forest, 160
10. Virginia Tech, 116
11. California, 111
12. NC State, 85
13. Louisville, 80
14t. Boston College, 50
14t. SMU, 50
16. Miami, 44
17. Syracuse, 22