2026 Tufts University Women's Soccer Season Preview

MEDFORD, MA (September 3, 2026) – The Tufts University women's soccer team is ready to go full steam ahead into the 2026 season after a historic program run last year. Head coach Martha Whiting had this to say about the teams energy heading into the fall, "The team is buzzing!  It's obvious everyone has worked really hard over the summer, and we are excited to start competing again."
 
The Jumbos will open their 2026 campaign with a big test on the road against No. 5 Messiah University. Tufts will compete in eight games on the road, while hosting seven matches at Bello Field in the fall. NESCAC play begins at home as No. 24 Colby is set to visit Medford on September 12 at 12:30 PM. When asked about the strong schedule the team is set to face Whiting stated, "We can't treat any game differently.  All the games we play will present varied challenges, so we have to play our hardest and best every time we step on the field."
 
Last season's 18 wins is tied the most ever wins in a single season in program history. The last and only other time women's soccer at Tufts registered 18 wins in one season was back in 2000. The Jumbos also one upped their goal scoring record from 2024 as they buried 53 goals as a team last season. Whiting mentioned, "We don't focus on records. Our focus is on the process – when we do that good things typically happen."
 
The Jumbos have earned the number four rank in the United Soccer Coaches National Preseason Poll, but the squad seems to have their eyes forward and approach the year day by day, rather than being concerned about the preseason rankings. Whiting shared what pushes them to be their best, "We have three core values that drive us every day and determine our mindset.  We control what we can control, compete harder than any other team we play, and know that there is individual sacrifice that comes with that."
 
While the team is excited to see what the new faces can make an immediate impact, many of last year's contributing players are back for more. Whiting expressed her confidence in the group heading into the new season, "I have incredible confidence in this group. I see a team that has heart, grit, and a chip on their shoulder. They are hungry and willing to do whatever it takes to create our success."
 
On the defense, the Jumbos lost core pieces in Anna Griffin and Lena Sugrue to graduation. Both absences will definitely be felt as Griffin appeared and started in all 23 games for Tufts in 2025, while Sugrue earned 2025 NESCAC Defensive Player of the Year, All-NESCAC First Team honors, and USC All-Region First Team honors. Sugrue participated in all 23 games and ended the season with three goals and four assists.
 
The returns of Maggie Rogers, Emma Finnerty, Phoebe Marsick, Rachel Arcella, Caitlin Capitolo, and Cate Holzbeierlein show the depth and talent that still remains on the Jumbos' back line. 
 
Maggie Rogers is entering her senior season and will look to be another major component of the Tufts' defense. Rogers appeared and started in all 23 games in 2025 and will be leaned on as the anchor of this Jumbos squad. Lung comes from the local area after attending Brooks School in North Andover. Lung was a two-year captain of the soccer team and earned Defensive Player of the Year, All-ISL, and an All-NEPSAC honor.
 
The defensive crew will welcome two newcomers with first years Chloe Kung and Maile Lung joining the Brown and Blue. Kung arrives in Medford after attending University Prep Academy in Seatle where she served as a soccer captain during her senior season. Lung comes from the local area after graduating from Brooks School in North Andover where she earned four varsity letters in soccer. Lung was a two-year captain of the soccer team and earned Defensive Player of the Year, All-ISL, and All-NEPSAC honors.
 
In the midfield, the Jumbos saw key members Caroline Kelley and Aoife O'Reilly depart after graduation. Kelley was a key playmaker for the Jumbos, leading the team with nine assists in just 13 games played and finishing tied for fourth in goals with four tallies. O'Reilly appeared in all 23 games for the Jumbos last season and was well-balanced with three goals and three assists.
 
The key returning midfielders will consist of Reese Birch, Emily Nicholas, Maren Jones, and Claire Brady. Birch put together a stellar junior season in 2025, earning All-NESCAC First Team and USC All-Region First Team recognition after sharing the lead in the NESCAC with 11 goals scored. Nicholas appeared in all 23 games for Tufts last season and earned USC All-Region Second Team honors after tallying two goals and five assists. Jones was steady in the midfield for the Jumbos, appearing in 21 games and delivered multiple key moments in 2025. Brady had a standout season last year, finishing with five goals and four assists in 20 games played and starting the final 11 games of the season.  
 
The forward group will miss Camille Lu and Elsi Aires after their exit from Tufts. Lu was a strong forward off the bench last season after appearing in 20 games and burying three goals. Aires absence will be heavy after the potent forward earned her second straight NESCAC Player of the Year award in 2025 after being tied for the lead in goals with 11. Aires picked up All-NESCAC First Team, USC All-American First Team, and USC All-Region First Team nods.
 
Waverly Sumner, Jordyn Miller, and Audrey Cromett will return to the roster to help bolster the young forwards. Sumner had a strong Junior season with the Jumbos, finishing tied for fifth on the Jumbos in goals with three and dishing out seven assists which was tied for second on Tufts. Miller appeared in all 23 games for the Jumbos last season and recorded two goals and two assists. Cromett appeared in 20 games off the bench for Tufts and registered two goals along with one assist. 
 
First Year forwards Mia Yang and Gussie Robillard will bring their talents to Medford. Yang brings her talents to Medford after attending Saint Francis in California. Yang played club soccer for Bay Area Surf and also earned a selection to the West Region Olympic Development Program. Robillard joins the Jumbos from California as well after going to St. Ignatius Prep. She served as a soccer captain during her senior season and earned WCAL First Team All-League honors.
 
Kianna Hill is the lone goalie that is not returning to this Tufts squad. Gigi Edwards, Greta Steege, and Lindsay Fouche return to make up the goalkeeping lineup. Edwards is set to be the starting goaltender for her senior season after a solid junior campaign. Edwards led the NESCAC in shutouts last season with 11 and was second in goals against average with a 0.55 mark.
 
Tufts will start their mission for conference and national titles this Saturday morning as they will travel to Purchase, NY for the season-opening matchup against No. 5 Messiah at 11 AM.