The TCNJ women’s soccer team has been ranked No. 20 in the United Soccer Coaches Division III preseason poll, marking the third time in four years that the program begins its season with a national ranking. This is TCNJ’s highest preseason placement since it was ranked No. 2 at the start of the 2022 season.
During the 2024 season, TCNJ remained in the national rankings throughout, starting at No. 24 and moving up to No. 10 by October 1 following an undefeated run early in the season. The Lions maintained their top-10 position for the rest of the regular season and hosted an NCAA Tournament pod, where their campaign ended in the second round.
Reigning NCAA champion Washington University leads this year’s preseason poll, followed by William Smith, Christopher Newport, Emory, and Johns Hopkins. Amherst holds sixth place, while Misericordia, Messiah, Loras, and Trinity (Tx.) complete the top-10 list.
TCNJ is currently the only team from the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) to receive a preseason ranking; Rowan appears among teams also receiving votes. The Lions’ schedule this year includes matches against No. 17 NYU and fifth-ranked Johns Hopkins at Lions Stadium as part of their non-conference games.
Head coach Danny Blank guided TCNJ to an 18-1-2 record last year in his second season leading the program. The team finished undefeated during regular play and secured another NJAC Tournament title before making its second straight appearance in the NCAA Tournament.
The Lions are set to begin their 2025 season on Friday, August 29 against Salisbury at St. Mary’s (Md.) during Day 1 of the Seahawk Classic.
“TCNJ spent all of 2024 ranked in the national poll, starting the season 24th before using an undefeated start to climb as high as No. 10 by October 1 – the first time the Lions had been in the top-10 since August of 2022. TCNJ would sit at No. 10 for the remainder of the regular season, earning the right to host a pod in the NCAA Tournament where they ultimately fell in the second round.”
“Reigning NCAA champion Washington University tops the preseason poll, followed by William Smith, Christopher Newport, Emory and Johns Hopkins. Amherst comes in at No. 6, with Misericordia, Messiah, Loras and Trinity (Tx.) rounding out the top-10.”
“The Lions are the only NJAC team to earn a preseason ranking, with Rowan appearing in the ‘also receiving votes’ category. In addition to its NJAC rivals, TCNJ will also face off against No. 17 NYU and fifth-ranked Johns Hopkins at Lions Stadium this season as part of a strong non-conference slate.”
“TCNJ went 18-1-2 overall in head coach Danny Blank’s second year at the helm, finishing the regular season undefeated and winning the NJAC Tournament en route to a second consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance. The Lions open their 2025 season Friday, August 29 against Salisbury at St. Mary’s (Md.) for Day 1 of the Seahawk Classic.”
