Women's Soccer | 8/28/2026 4:30:00 PM

Coming off back-to-back 16-win seasons, Gannon women's soccer enters 2026 looking to continue its recent run of success.

The No. 23 Golden Knights return an experienced group from last year's NCAA Tournament team, including several of their top offensive threats and key pieces on the defensive end.

2025 Season Recap

Gannon continued its recent run of success in 2025, finishing 16-3-2 overall and 11-1-2 in the PSAC West while advancing to the NCAA Division II Tournament for the fifth consecutive season and ninth time in program history.

The Golden Knights opened NCAA Tournament play with a 2-0 victory over Bloomsburg before falling to host Shepherd in the second round.

Gannon scored 61 goals while averaging 2.90 goals per match and posted nine shutouts during the season.

Petersen Enters 25th Season as Head Coach

Former Gannon standout Colin Petersen enters his 27th season with the program and 25th as head coach of the women's soccer team in 2026. The winningest and longest-tenured coach in program history, Petersen enters the season with a 237-167-45 career record.

Under Petersen, Gannon has posted a .500-or-better record in 17 of the last 18 seasons while making 14 PSAC Tournament and nine NCAA Tournament appearances.

The Golden Knights have enjoyed one of their strongest stretches under Petersen in recent years, including back-to-back 16-win campaigns.

Preseason Recognition

Expectations remain high entering 2026. The Golden Knights are ranked No. 23 in the United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division II Preseason Poll after finishing last season ranked No. 25 nationally.

Gannon was also selected to finish second in the PSAC West preseason poll.

Golden Knights Look to Replace Key Contributors

While Gannon returns an experienced core, the Golden Knights will need to replace several key pieces from last season's 16-win team, led by midfielder Ella Fadale (Brockport, N.Y./Brockport), defenders Destinee Robertson (Lacey, Washington/Timberline) and Maddy Endler (Salem, Ore./West Salem), and goalkeeper Morgan Sinan (Cranberry Twp., Pa./Seneca Valley).

Fadale concluded a standout 2025 season as Gannon's Team MVP after leading the Golden Knights with 16 goals and 33 points, including five game-winning goals. She earned United Soccer Coaches Second Team All-America and D2CCA First Team All-America honors along with CSC Academic All-America First Team recognition.

Gannon also loses speedy defender Robertson, an All-PSAC West First Team selection who earned United Soccer Coaches All-Atlantic Region First Team and D2CCA All-Atlantic Region Second Team honors. Robertson appeared in all 21 matches last season.

The Golden Knights will also have a new starter in goal following the departure of Sinan, a vocal leader who had served as Gannon's primary goalkeeper since 2023. Sinan concluded her career with a 50-7-9 record, a 0.75 goals-against average and a program-record 20 shutouts in 74 appearances. In 2025, she appeared in 20 matches and posted a 15-3-2 record with a 0.78 goals-against average and five solo shutouts.

Defender Endler also departs after appearing in all 21 matches in 2025, contributing one goal and two assists.

Experienced Core Returns

A decorated trio headlines Gannon's returning core in forward Brooklyn Respecki (McKean, Pa./General McLane), midfielder Grace Emanuel (Erie, Pa./McDowell) and defender Hannah Shepard (Erie, Pa./McDowell). All three earned All-PSAC West First Team honors for the third consecutive season in 2025.

Respecki finished second on the team with 10 goals and eight assists for 28 points despite appearing in just 18 matches. Emanuel added six goals and a team-high 10 assists for 22 points while earning D2CCA Third Team All-America honors.

Midfielders Olivia Dixon (Erie, Pa./Cathedral Prep) and Bella Prince (Bradford,Pa./Bradford Area) return after making immediate impacts during their first seasons with the Golden Knights. Dixon appeared in all 21 matches and finished with eight goals and five assists for 21 points, while Prince appeared in 20 matches and contributed a goal and an assist.

Forward Jessie Watkins (Bowie, Md./Bowie) also returns after earning All-PSAC West Second Team honors. Watkins finished with five goals and eight assists for 18 points, including four game-winning goals.

Defensively, Shepard returns after earning first-team honors despite being limited to 14 matches due to injury. Maddie Miller (Wexford, Pa./North Allegheny) and Victoria Wheeler (Bordentown, N.J./Bordentown Regional) also bring experience back to the unit. Miller appeared in 15 matches and contributed four goals and an assist, while Wheeler appeared in 20 matches with two assists.
 
Newcomers Add Depth

Gannon welcomes nine freshmen and one transfer to the roster in 2026, with the group looking to make an immediate impact for the Golden Knights.
Defender Kennady Billman (Belleville, N.Y./Belleville Henderson Central) joins Gannon after two seasons at Monroe Community College. Billman started all 31 matches during her time at Monroe, totaling three goals and three assists. She started all 16 matches in her second season and recorded three goals and two assists.

Among the freshmen is midfielder Gianna Barela (Erie, Pa./Erie), an Erie High School product who earned two All-Conference selections and All-State recognition during her high school career.
Defender Sydney Howard (Rochester, N.Y./Wayne) arrives after a standout career at Wayne High School. A four-year starter, Howard was named the Section V Finger Lakes East Player of the Year as a senior while earning NYS Class A Third Team, All-Greater Rochester Honorable Mention and Section V Class A All-Tournament Team honors.

Forward Joclyn Nelson joins Gannon after a standout career at Canal Winchester High School. A four-year starter, Nelson finished as the program's all-time leader with 54 goals while setting school records for goals in a season (23) and a game (five). She was also a two-time First Team All-District selection.

Forward Allie Besancon (Buffalo, N.Y./Williamsville North) joins the Golden Knights after a four-year starting career at Williamsville North High School. Besancon totaled 34 goals and 18 assists while earning First Team ECIC honors four times and Large School All-Western New York recognition twice.

Up Next
Gannon opens the 2026 season and PSAC West action on Sunday, August 30, hosting Seton Hill at McConnell Family Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m.