HOUGHTON, Mich. – The Michigan Tech soccer team has been tabbed to finish sixth in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletics Conference, the league announced Tuesday (August 20th). Northern Michigan amassed six first-place votes to rank atop the league with 62 points. Grand Valley State was close behind with the remaining three first-place votes, totaling 58 points for second. Saginaw Valley State (47 points) and Ferris State (45 points) were tabbed to finish third and fourth, respectively. The fifth and sixth position in the coaches' poll were separated by a point, with Parkside (32) getting the nod to finish fifth in the league as the Huskies earned 31 points.
Head coach Melissa Kuhar enters her first year at the helm of the Michigan Tech soccer program fresh off its first NCAA Tournament appearance since the 2014-15 season, finishing with an overall record of 8-5-7 overall and 7-2-5 in the loop. The Huskies return two All-Conference performers Julia Pietila (Second Team All-GLIAC Forward) and Jordan Noble (All-GLIAC Honorable Mention) to total 21 returners from a season ago.Â
Emilie Clayton and Brooke Green return as the top goal-scorers from last fall, accounting for three goals, respectively. The Huskies' assist leader from last year, Grace Hoeppner is also back for the Black & Gold, contributing a season-high three assists and one goal. Coach Kuhar has added two transfers to go with the four incoming freshmen.Â
The Huskies open the 2024 season on the road, facing NSIC Foes St. Cloud State (Sep. 5) and Minnesota Duluth (Sep. 7). The 14-game GLIAC slate begins on September 20, with the Huskies playing host to Davenport at 6 p.m.
2024 GLIAC Women's Soccer Preseason Coaches' Poll
1.   Northern Michigan    62 (6)
2.   Grand Valley State    58 (3)
3.   Saginaw Valley State   47
4.   Ferris State                45
5   Parkside                     32
6.   Michigan Tech       31
7.   Davenport          26
8.   Purdue Northwest   13
9.   Roosevelt          10
