CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The reigning conference champions from Loras College have been selected as the preseason favorite in the 2025 American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) Women’s Soccer Coaches’ Poll, earning 63 points and seven first-place votes. Following closely behind are Simpson College (57 points, 2 first-place votes) and Wartburg College (51 points), rounding out the top three in what promises to be a tightly contested race for the conference title.
 
The 2025 season officially kicks off on Friday, August 29 when seven of the nine A-R-C teams will take the pitch. The conference season begins on Saturday, September 27, and will run through Tuesday, October 28. The A-R-C Women’s Soccer Tournament will begin with first round action on Saturday, November 1, followed by the semifinal round on Wednesday, November 5. The tournament championship match will be on Saturday, November 8, and the champion will receive the league’s automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament. New this year, after the first round of the conference tournament, the bracket will be reseeded so the lowest remaining seed will advance to face the top seed and the highest remaining seed will face the second seed.
 

2025 American Rivers Conference Women’s Soccer Preseason Coaches’ Poll
Place	Team (First-place votes)	Points
1.	Loras (7)	63
2.	Simpson (2)	57
3.	Wartburg	51
4.	Univ. of Dubuque	42
5.	Central	35
6.	Luther	29
7.	Nebraska Wesleyan	22
8.	Coe	14
9.	Buena Vista	11

 
The Loras College Duhawks return to the top of the poll after an undefeated 2024 campaign and a dominant run to the NCAA Tournament. Under head coach Matt Pucci, entering his tenth season with an impressive 141-20-14 record, Loras returns key all-conference standouts Sierra Morgano and Bella Scesniak, but will need to fill the void left by six departing starters. With five starters back and a legacy of success, the Duhawks remain the team to beat.

“We’re very excited to get the 2025 season underway," said Pucci!
 
Simpson College enters 2025 eager to build on a stellar 2024 season that included a trip to the NCAA Tournament. Led by eighth-year head coach Jeremy Reinert, the Storm return six starters, including 2024 First-Team Meredith Downs and dynamic forward Savannah Schneider, the 2024 A-R-C Rookie of the Year. With a strong veteran core and high expectations, Simpson will again challenge for the top.
 
"We are excited to see what this year's team is capable of,” said Reinert. “We have a group that is hungry to put their stamp on this program and believe that they can put us in a position to compete for an A-R-C Championship."
 
With a wealth of experience returning, Wartburg College looks poised for another strong run in 2025. Head coach Emily Ryan welcomes back standout defenders Avery Mize and Lindsey Overmann, as well as midfield leaders Greta Rothe and Sami Webster. The Knights bring back the bulk of their starting lineup and will look to their depth and veteran presence to climb even higher in the standings this season.
 
“The A-R-C is filled with a lot of talent again this yearand the 2025 season should be another competitive one,” said Ryan. “We are excited to get rolling!”
 
Veteran head coach Jason Berna enters his 24th season at the helm at the University of Dubuque with a team capable of contending for the conference title. The Spartans return eight starters, including three-time first-team defender Virginia Speltz and midfielder Alyssa Tranchita. With experience across the field and a tradition of competitiveness, UD will again be in the mix for postseason success.
 
"The A-R-C has been super competitive league in the region and nationally – this year will be no exception,” said Berna! “Expect several teams to compete for the A-R-C title this year!!”
 
Coming off a solid 2024 season, Central College brings back eight starters and a strong group of all-conference returners, including midfield anchor Kylie Bloomstrom. Head coach Michael Kobylinski, now in his 15th season, anticipates that leadership and a deep incoming class will help the Dutch take the next step in the A-R-C standings.
 
"We are looking forward to building on the momentum from last year,” added Kobylinski. “We have some great leaders and returners along with a strong incoming class who are all excited to compete."
 
Luther College enters 2025 looking to leave its mark under fifth-year head coach Hollie Gray. The Norse return five starters, including senior defender Lauryn Larson and junior Riley Anderson, and are bolstered by a motivated core and quality newcomers. Expect a competitive and hungry squad ready to make noise in the league.
 
“This season is sure to be an extremely competitive one as the conference as a whole returns a lot of talent,” said Gray. “We return a group of extremely competitive and motivated players, along with the addition of quality new faces who are ready to drive our program.”
 
With new leadership under first-year head coach Robert Lynch, Nebraska Wesleyan University is set for a fresh start. The Prairie Wolves bring back a solid nucleus, including All-Conference forward Averie Hike and senior goalkeeper Jena Schultz. With nine returning starters and a determined mindset, NWU is focused on making progress in a challenging conference.
 
"The team and coaching staff are excited to get the season started,” added Lynch! “There will be a brief learning period between the two, but we have a hard working group who aspire to have a positive impact on the program's trajectory. The American Rivers Conference always provides a high standard of competition ever year and we're ready to embrace the quality that programs will bring."
 
Head coach James Culotta is optimistic about a deeper and more experienced roster in 2025 for Coe College. The Kohawks return ten starters, including goalkeeper Cecillie Monroe and midfielder Elly Manning, and welcome 11 newcomers to the squad. With greater continuity and increased depth, Coe aims to contend for a conference tournament berth.
 
"We are very excited to return 10 starters and 21 players, as well as adding 11 new Kohawks for the 2025 season,” added Culotta. “We are hopeful to have the necessary depth and experience to make a run at qualifying for the conference tournament this fall."
 
Now in his third season at Buena Vista University, head coach Mauricio Lozada continues to build the program. Despite graduating a large senior class, the Beavers return key players like midfielder Hailey Chambers and defender Megan Rowedder. With a focus on development and growing chemistry, BVU looks to improve on last season’s foundation.
 
"We are excited to continue to build on the great season we had last fall and cannot wait to get the season started,” said Lozada!