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Wingate, N.C.----The Wingate University Bulldogs open up the 2026 season with a pair of games this week, hosting Barton College Thursday at 6 p.m. The 'Dogs then travel to Belmont Abbey Saturday afternoon at 4:30 p.m. Wingate went 9-8-1 overall last season, with a 5-5 record in league play. The 'Dogs were picked fourth in the 2026 preseason SAC poll.

"I'm really pleased with how preseason has started for this team," head coach Katie Mitchell says. "The commitment from the group as a whole to put in the work and hold a high standard over the summer has shown throughout the past two weeks. We've made a lot of progress implementing our style of play and growing our team chemistry on and off the field so far. I think the combination of new talent and returning experience has created a positive and competitive team dynamic."

"The expectation is always to win," Mitchell says. "We want to prepare the team for every game and hold a high level of respect for every opponent we match up against. We still have plenty of work ahead of us, but we are growing in the right direction every day. It's a joy to show up to training with this group. There are a lot of different personalities and they mesh so well together when they are playing. Our newcomers have come in and set a high expectation for themselves, which is exciting to see from a coach's perspective."

"We have a strong group of leaders going into this fall," Mitchell says. "Katie Ensalaco and Sydnee Barndt are our two captains that lead by example and hold a high standard each and every day. You have Angela Maino and Avery Brown who are both going into their senior year and have played impactful roles on and off the field all four years. And last but not least, you have Brynn Waddell, who is going into her sophomore year; a player who has stood out with her voice and leadership skills in her first year. I'm excited to see how much she continues to grow as a player and person over the next few years. 

FORWARDS

The Bulldogs have an impressive group of experienced forwards. Ellie Polk earned All-SAC accolades in 2025 and has been named a preseason first team all-conference selection in 2026. Maino and Audur Halldorsdottir were both all-conference honorees in 2025 and are both SAC Preseason Players to Watch this year. That group will be joined by sophomore Rhylie Druskis along with newcomers Kayla Rice and Amiya Hepfinger. Maino and Polk had 17 points apiece last year, with Polk notching six goals and five assists to go along with Maino's five goals and seven assists. Halldorsdottir added five goals and two assists.

"All three of our starters have earned their spots onto all-conference teams over the years," Mitchell says. "This front line will be difficult for any team to have to match up against. They take in feedback so well and execute on the field. We also have Rhylie returning for us this fall as a sophomore, plus Kayla and Amiya, who have done well as newcomers that will make their way onto the field throughout the season."

MIDFIELDERS

The midfield is led by junior Matilda Boyle, along with Ensalaco and Barndt. Boyle had two goals and six assists last season, while Ensalaco added three goals and five assists. Tilde Wahrenberg poured in six goals last year to go along with a pair of assists. 

"Matilda is going into her senior year," Mitchell says. "Her composure, simplicity and vision in the attack will catch teams off guard. Tilde had the most minutes played by a freshman last year, taking on a big role in the attack for us this season. Her pace and creativity on the ball are her biggest strengths. Katie and Sydnee will also be important contributors for us in the back line this season. Katie brings a lot of composure, consistency, and intelligence to the position, while Sydnee brings a strong competitive mentality and physical presence. Both have shown growth throughout preseason and will be key pieces in helping us stay organized, disciplined, and difficult to break down defensively. We also have Charlotte Herrmann and Gabby Lelii, who have done well as newcomers that will make their way onto the field throughout the season."

DEFENSE

The defense will have a mixture of newcomers and returners this season. "The back line looks a little different this year," Mitchell says. "Maddie Pope is a JUCO transfer that has been a big asset to our back line throughout preseason. Avery Brown has continued to grow as a consistent and dependable defender and Avery Bogan brings physicality and competitiveness to our back line. Grad transfer Sophie Joly is another player coming in to make an impact in the defense this year. You'll also see Pien Coppoolse and Audrey Billette working their way into the backline throughout the season as newcomers."

GOALKEEPERS

Amelia Forsling appeared in five games last season, making three starts while playing nearly 300 minutes, registering 10 saves while allowing just two goals, posting a 0.833 goals-against average. Meredith Stout started the two SAC Tournament games, piling up 11 saves for the 'Dogs.

"Amelia and Noemie Tartrou are two senior goalkeepers that constantly show up and put in the work every single day along with Meredith," Mitchell says. "I'm fortunate to have three goalkeepers on the roster that I trust to be out on the field in any game."

SCHEDULE

The Bulldogs are busy early, playing two games in three days this week, then jumping back into action Wednesday at 6 p.m., hosting USC Aiken. The 'Dogs open league play Sept. 16 at Coker at 7 p.m., while hosting Mars Hill Sept. 23 at 5 p.m. Wingate will travel to Catawba and Lenoir-Rhyne in October, the two preseason favorites in the conference, while hosting Anderson Oct. 21. The Trojans landed just ahead of the Bulldogs in the preseason SAC poll. The regular season wraps up Oct. 28 when the 'Dogs host Newberry, with the SAC Tournament getting underway Oct. 31.