KENOSHA, Wis. – The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) has announced its 2025 women's soccer preseason coaches' poll. Parkside was tabbed to finish eighth of nine teams in the conference, receiving 19 total points. Grand Valley State was picked to repeat as GLIAC champions, earning 62 total points and six of the nine first place votes. Saginaw Valley State, Ferris State, and Davenport each received a first-place vote as well.
Parkside enters the 2025 season eyeing to prove the coaches' poll wrong. Last season, the Rangers finished 5–9–5 overall (3–6–5 GLIAC), advancing to the GLIAC Tournament quarterfinals as the seventh seed before falling 1–0 to eventual champion Grand Valley State. The 2025 schedule kicks off in Kenosha against Winona State before a three-match road trip that features non-conference meetings with Lewis, St. Could State, and Concordia–St. Paul. The Rangers' GLIAC slate opens with a three match home stand starting on Friday, September 19 against Michigan Tech.
Senior forward Emily Mikkelson headlines the list of returners after earning Second-Team All-GLIAC honors in 2024. She led the team in points (8), tied for the lead in goals (2), and ranked in the GLIAC's top 10 in both total shots and game-winning goals. Sophomore Ava Rizzitano impressed in her first season as a Ranger, matching Mikkelson for the team lead in goals and showing a knack for creating scoring opportunities. Both will play pivotal roles in sparking the Rangers' attack in 2025.
"I'm really excited about our group this year." said Head Coach Brittnay Nikolic. "We were able to bring in a lot of depth in a lot of areas. We've got 14 newcomers, which is almost half of the team. But, half of that group is transfers that have some kind of collegiate experience, so we have a good mix. I can't wait to see how this group comes together."
The season begins at Wood Road Soccer Field on Friday, September 5 at 1:00 p.m. For the complete schedule, game times, and promotional details, visit ParksideRangers.com.
