CASE SUMMARY
The King's College women's soccer team enters the 2026 season with a focus on daily accountability, energy, and upholding the standards of the program.
 
Under the direction of head coach Jessica Lingenfelter, the Monarchs are embracing a one-day-at-a-time mentality as they prepare for the challenges of the upcoming season. The roster features a blend of returning players, transfers, and newcomers, while the team's leadership group has set the tone throughout the offseason.
 
"As a team we are focusing on a one day at a time mentality, bring energy daily, uphold the standard, and be accountable for yourself and others every day," Lingenfelter said.
 

INITIAL ASSESSMENT
The Monarchs were selected eighth in the 2026 MAC Freedom Women's Soccer Preseason Poll, which was voted on by the conference's head coaches.
 
Misericordia was chosen first with 61 points and five first-place votes, narrowly edging defending MAC Freedom Champion Stevens, which received 60 points and four first-place votes. Arcadia was picked third with 48 points, followed by Lebanon Valley (40), Marywood (37), DeSales (32), FDU-Florham (22), King's (16), and Delaware Valley (8).
 
While the preseason poll provides an early look at conference expectations, the Monarchs remain focused on the work being done within the program as the season approaches.


PROGRAM OUTLOOK
One of the most encouraging developments for King's has been the growth shown throughout the roster during the offseason.
 
"We have had a lot of people step up and I am super excited to see what they do this season after having a season under their belt," Lingenfelter said. "We also have some great incoming players and transfers that will be great additions to our squad. Our returners will provide stability and structure for incoming players and I look forward to this season with this squad."
 
The coaching staff expects that combination of returning experience and new additions to provide depth and competition throughout the lineup heading into the fall.
 

MONARCH NOTES
Leadership has emerged as a defining characteristic of the 2026 squad.
 
According to Lingenfelter, the team's leaders have played a significant role throughout the offseason by establishing expectations and reinforcing the standard of the program.
"Our leaders have done a great job this offseason to set the standard of KCWS and what the expectations are this year," Lingenfelter said.
 
That leadership has also fueled much of the team's growth during the offseason as players throughout the roster have embraced greater responsibility and accountability.
 

THE ROAD AHEAD
The Monarchs will have several notable dates on the calendar during the 2026 season, including Homecoming on September 26, Youth Soccer Night on October 14, and Senior Night on October 24.
 
Those events highlight a schedule that will provide numerous opportunities for fans, alumni, and supporters to engage with the program throughout the fall while the Monarchs navigate a competitive conference slate.
 

MISSION STATEMENT
Lingenfelter's message entering the season remains simple: "Focus on today."
 
By concentrating on the task at hand each day and leaning on the leadership that has guided the program throughout the offseason, the Monarchs hope to establish a strong foundation for the 2026 campaign.