Ashland, last year's conference champion, was voted the Great Midwest preseason favorite for the 2022 season in a poll of the league's head coaches. The Eagles were the top scoring team and the top defensive team a year ago in their first season in the Great Midwest.

In 2021 under first-year head coach Cayleb Paulino, AU went 15-2-3 overall and 12-0-2 in conference play. It was the first unbeaten conference mark in Great Midwest women's soccer since Ohio Valley went unbeaten in 2017. Ashland returns its top three scorers from last year in Bailey Clark (17 points), McKinley Mendenhall (15) and Julianna Williams (12). Both goalkpeers - Bri Rogers and Maddie Dolenga - also return as Ashland aims to defend its 2021 title.

Perennial conference power Cedarville was voted second and was voted by two coaches as the favorite, followed by Findlay and Ohio Dominican. CU is 17-4-2 in conference player over the past two seasons and has finished in the top three in four of the last six seasons. Shutouts and saves leader Brooke Ackley returns in goal for the Yellow Jackets. Findlay, the league champion in the spring of 2021, has finished in the top three for three straight seasons and features a first-year head coach in Michelle Rick. Ohio Dominican has had five straight conference winning seasons as a member of the Great Midwest and the Panthers return four of their top five scorers plus goalkeeper Jadelyn McNerney. 

Trevecca Nazarene rounded out the top five of the poll, followed by new member Northwood slotted in sixth.

Great Midwest women's soccer is set to begin play with seven matches Thursday, Aug. 25. The 2022 women's soccer champion will be crowned Saturday, Nov. 12 with the tournament beginning a week prior.

 

Ranking	School (1st Place Votes)	Total Points
1.	Ashland (10)	120
2.	Cedarville (2)	107
3.	Findlay	97
4.	Ohio Dominican	83
5.	Trevecca Nazarene	80
6.	Northwood	76
7.	Walsh	64
8.	Tiffin	50
9.	Ursuline	39
10.	Malone	31
11.	Lake Erie	29
12.	Kentucky Wesleyan	16