Soccer Voted Sixth in GAC Preseason Coaches Poll
RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – The Great American Conference announced the results of its 2026 preseason soccer coaches poll on Thursday, with East Central University selected to finish tied for sixth alongside Oklahoma Baptist University.
Harding received three first-place votes to claim the top spot with 31 points, while Southwestern Oklahoma State also earned three first-place votes and finished second with 30 points. Ouachita Baptist received the remaining first-place vote and was picked third with 29 points.
Northwestern Oklahoma State (24) and Southern Nazarene (13) rounded out the teams selected ahead of the Tigers and Bisons.
Following the 2025 season, Joseph Quiray was promoted to head coach and will look to lead the Tigers back from a 1-7-4 record in GAC play. Quiray and assistant coach Makenzie Saul will welcome 14 newcomers to the program, including nine incoming freshmen and five transfers, to join 14 returning players.
The Tigers will open the 2026 campaign in Denver, Colorado, when they take on Regis University on Thursday, Aug. 27, at 5 p.m. ECU will host its first home match on Saturday, Sept. 5, at noon at Tiger Soccer Field as the Tigers begin their home schedule.
