Seattle U was selected as the favorite to win the 2013 soccer title. The 2013 WAC Preseason All-Conference team and preseason players of the year were also announced as voted on by the league’s head coaches.
Seattle U junior forward Stephanie Verdoia garnered WAC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year honors, while teammate senior midfielder Julia Besagno was selected as the WAC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year.
Seattle U and Idaho led WAC teams with three preseason all-conference selections each. Bakersfield and Utah Valley each had two honorees, while New Mexico State had one representative.
The 2013 WAC season is set to kickoff Aug. 23 with all of the WAC's teams in action. The WAC Soccer Tournament heads to New Mexico State's Soccer Complex in Las Cruces, N.M. The four-team tournament will be held Nov. 8 and 10.
WAC Preseason Coaches’ Poll
Place Team (first place votes) Pts.
1. Seattle U (6) 36
2. (tie) Idaho 23
2. (tie) Utah Valley (1) 23
4. Bakersfield 22
5. New Mexico St. 21
6. Kansas City 13
7. Grand Canyon 9
Preseason All-WAC Team
Stephanie Verdoia, Jr., F, Seattle U
Emily Noethe, Jr., F, Bakersfield
Layla Todd, Jr., F, New Mexico State
Lexi Robison, Jr., MF, Utah Valley
Julia Basagno, Sr., MF, Seattle U
Erica Shelton, Sr., MF, Bakersfield
Katie Baran, Jr., MF, Idaho
Nitalia Zuniga, Sr., D, Idaho
Mary Hill, Sr., D, Seattle U
Chelsie Breen, Sr., D, Idaho
Lauren Sack, Sr., GK, Utah Valley
Preseason Offensive Player of the Year
Stephanie Verdoia, Jr., F, Seattle U
Preseason Defensive Player of the Year
Julia Besagno, Sr., MF, Seattle U