KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The United Soccer Coaches (USC) released its 2025 NCAA Division II Preseason Women's Soccer Poll July 31, with Maryville debuting at No. 25 to begin the 2025 campaign.
 
Maryville wrapped up another highly successful season in 2024, finishing 17-1-3, capturing the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) regular-season title, and earned the right to serve as a host site for the NCAA tournament. In the tourney, the Saints edged GLVC rival McKendree 3-2 before falling to Grand Valley State 1-0.
 
The Saints return their dynamic offensive duo of Elsa Nilson-Hurtig, the reigning GLVC Co-Offensive Player of the Year, and Ashlyne Hunt. Together, the pair combined for 55 points, 22 goals, and 11 assists, propelling Maryville to one of the top offensive units in the country.
 
On the defensive end, Agnes Vilen returns in goal as the reigning GLVC Goalkeeper of the Year. The incoming sophomore started all 20 games for the Saints last season, allowing just nine goals throughout the year.
 
Head coach Lori Lawson, who concluded 2024 as the GLVC Coach of the Year, remains at the helm as she enters her eighth season leading the Saints.
 
Maryville opens the 2025 season at home Thursday, Sept. 4, hosting Washburn University, which received votes in the preseason poll.