BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Coming off of a spring campaign that saw them accomplish things no team in program history had, Alabama A&M women's soccer has been picked as one of the top teams in the league as the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) has released its Fall 2021 Preseason Poll.
 
Entering their second season this year alone, having played an eight-game slate this past spring, the Bulldogs have been picked to finish third behind defending champion Alabama State (148 Points/Eight First Place Votes) and tournament runner-up Grambling (138/2). They garnered 118 points with three first place votes with Jackson State (114/2) and Prairie View A&M (106) rounding out the top five.
 
The back half of the poll consists of Southern (89/1), Texas Southern (76), Alcorn State (55/1), Arkansas-Pine Bluff (50) and Mississippi Valley State (45).
 
A&M returns nearly the full squad from the spring, including all three All-SWAC honorees, each of whom has garnered preseason honors this week. They include senior goalkeeper Jodi Medina (Coral Springs, Fla.) being named Preseason Goalkeeper of the Year and picking up First-Team honors following Second-Team recognition after posting four shutouts in the spring with a 377 minute scoreless streak.
 
She was joined by junior forwards Makayla Rushing (Red Oak, Texas) with a First-Team selection, matching her honor from the spring, and Jameela Barrett (London, England) on the Second-Team.
 
Alabama A&M will test those lofty expectations right away as they open the season against Sun Belt Conference (SBC) Champion and NCAA Tournament team South Alabama on Friday, August 20 when they open the season in Troy, Alabama.
 
2021 SWAC WOMEN'S SOCCER PRESEASON POLL
Alabama State 148 (8)
Grambling State 138 (2)
Alabama A&M 118 (3)
Jackson State 114 (2)
Prairie View A&M 106
Southern 89 (1)
Texas Southern 76
Alcorn State 55 (1)
Arkansas-Pine Bluff 50
Mississippi Valley State 45