WATERVILLE, Maine – The University of Maine at Farmington women's soccer team has been picked to finish fifth in the North Atlantic Conference (NAC) preseason poll, the conference office announced Thursday afternoon. Husson University was selected by the league's coaches as the favorite to repeat as NAC Champion in 2025.
The Beavers return a strong core from last year's roster, which secured the fourth seed in the NAC East Division. Farmington finished the regular season 7-7-2 before falling to top-seeded Husson in the NAC Quarterfinals.
The team graduated three starters from the 2024 campaign: Abby Lash and Grace Mahmood, who combined for 15 goals, and defensive anchor Riley Forrest, who patrolled the backline as a center back. Despite those departures, the Beavers return reigning First Team All-Conference goalkeeper Paige Gonya (Sabattus, Maine), who recorded a career-high six shutouts last season while amassing 102 saves and playing every minute of every match. Gonya will once again be joined by three-time All-Conference defender Grace Dwyer (Manchester, Maine), who brings athleticism, toughness, and leadership to the defensive unit. Dwyer started 15 games last season at center back, contributing two goals and two assists.
The Beavers also return starting defenders Kiley Meader (Oakland, Maine) and Emma Dunn (Farmington, Maine). With Farmington's defensive depth, Dunn may also see time as a forward in 2025.
On the offensive end, Farmington will look to top scorer Natalie Tracy (Oakland, Maine), who netted 13 goals while primarily coming off the bench. Tracy is expected to move into a starting forward role this season, providing an immediate spark in the attack.
The midfield unit remains intact with the return of Rita Benoit (Hallowell, Maine), Hannah Wilbur (Farmington, Maine), Makenzie Rushlow (Corinth, Maine), and Jenna Lee (Farmingdale, Maine), all of whom are expected to log significant minutes.
Farmington's incoming class is led by midfielder Kyri Meak (Winslow, Maine) and defender Makenzie Beal (Brunswick, Maine), both of whom are poised to make an immediate impact. In addition, the Beavers added Merrimack College transfer goalkeeper Liana Sawyer (Londonderry, N.H.), a senior who provides depth and a new look at the position.
Season at a Glance
The NAC has shifted from an East/West divisional format to a single-table structure this season, with all 10 institutions competing for six playoff berths. Farmington's 2025 slate includes 17 games: eight non-conference and nine conference matchups.
The Beavers will host Southern Maine Community College in a scrimmage on Friday, August 29, at 11:00 a.m. before opening the regular season on the road against UMaine-Augusta on Wednesday, September 3. Farmington's non-conference schedule features home contests against Wentworth, New England College, Fisher, and Salem State, with road trips to Wellesley, Southern Maine, and VTSU Castleton.
Farmington's 2025 home opener is set for Saturday, September 6, against Wentworth at 2:00 p.m. The Beavers begin NAC play on Tuesday, September 16, at home against VTSU Lyndon.
Poll Results
- Husson University – 97 (9)
- Lesley University – 90 (1)
- Maine Maritime Academy – 75
- SUNY Delhi – 71
- UMaine-Farmington – 61
- VTSU Johnson – 51
- Thomas College – 43
- UMaine-Presque Isle – 31
- SUNY Cobleskill – 21
- VTSU Lyndon – 10
