CRESSON, Pa. — The Mount Aloysius College women's soccer team enters the 2026 season looking to build on a playoff appearance from a year ago, with the Mounties projected to finish fourth in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) preseason coaches' poll.
The 2026 campaign marks the second season at the helm for head coach Tyler Sisler, who guided the Mounties to a 5-8-4 record in his first season. Mount Aloysius earned a spot in the AMCC Tournament last fall before falling to Penn State Altoona in the opening round.
The Mounties return several key pieces from last year's squad, beginning with senior Brooke Thomas (Altoona, Pa., Altoona). Thomas led Mount Aloysius in scoring in 2025, finding the back of the net five times. Her return gives the Mounties an experienced offensive presence as they look to generate more scoring opportunities in 2026.
Mount Aloysius also welcomes back key contributors Abby Bell (Hollidaysburg, Pa., Hollidaysburg) and Erin Stoltzfus (Elizabethtown, PA, Elizabethtown), both of whom will play important roles as the Mounties look to take another step forward in Sisler's second season.
In goal, junior McKenna Meadows (Lewisburg, PA, Lewisburg) returns following a strong 2025 campaign. Meadows started every game between the posts for the Mounties and finished fourth in the AMCC with 92 saves. Her experience and consistency will provide an important foundation for a Mounties squad looking to improve defensively while competing near the top half of the conference. Both Meadows and Thomas were named preseason players to watch for the upcoming season.
While Mount Aloysius returns several important contributors, the Mounties will have to replace some significant production and leadership from a year ago.
The program said goodbye to two decorated All-AMCC performers following their graduation, including Natalie Despot and Maggie Cason. Despot earned First Team All-AMCC honors in 2024 before being selected to the Second Team in 2025. Cason was a two-time Second Team All-AMCC selection in 2023 and 2024 before earning Third Team honors in 2025. Shelby Smeal, a staple on the defensive side, also departs the program.
In total, the Mounties lost 10 players from last year's roster, creating opportunities for a new group to step into larger roles.
That group includes nine newcomers who make up Sisler's first recruiting class at Mount Aloysius. The new additions will have an opportunity to make an immediate impact as the Mounties look to replace the experience lost from last year's team while continuing to build the program under Sisler.
With a combination of returning veterans, an experienced goalkeeper and a promising first recruiting class, the Mounties enter 2026 looking to turn last year's playoff appearance into another step forward.
Projected fourth in the AMCC preseason poll, Mount Aloysius will look to establish itself among the conference's top contenders while continuing to build on the foundation established during Sisler's first season at the helm.
Women's Soccer opens up the 2026 season on Friday, September 4 on the road at Westminster. Last season, the Mounties played the Titans to a 1-1 draw. Kickoff is expected for 5:00 PM in New Wilmington, Pa.
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