CHICAGO, Ill. -- Coming off the most successful season in program history, North Park University's Women's Soccer enters 2026 with unprecedented expectations.

After a historic 10-win campaign and a 6-2 mark in College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) play last fall, the Vikings were selected second in the 2026 CCIW Women's Soccer Preseason Coaches' Poll. Receiving 53 points and one first-place vote, that marked the highest preseason ranking in program history and best season under reigning CCIW Coach of the Year Emma Woodley.

The recognition follows a breakthrough 2025 season in which the Vikings rewrote the program record book. North Park earned a school-record six conference victories, placed four student-athletes on the All-CCIW teams, secured the program's first-ever CCIW Tournament berth, advanced to its first conference tournament championship match, and finished second in the final conference standings, the highest conference finish in school history.  While last season's accomplishments drew attention across the conference, Woodley believes much of the team's success stemmed from a group that embraced being overlooked. Following the departure of several key seniors after the 2024 season, expectations outside the program were modest. Instead, the Vikings used those perceptions as motivation.

The arrival of standout newcomer Sofia Svensson (All-CCIW First Team) provided an immediate boost, while returning leaders Maja Applequist (All-CCIW Second Team), Caroline Sjøstedt (All-CCIW First Team), and Hannah Björkegren (All-CCIW Second Team) elevated their games and accepted larger roles. According to Woodley, the veteran core understood the responsibility that came with replacing the previous graduating class and responded with a level of determination that helped fuel the program's historic run.

That leadership has only grown stronger heading into the new season. Applequist, Björkegren, and Sjøstedt have each enjoyed impressive offseasons and now serve as the team's captains, taking ownership of the culture and standards that helped establish North Park as one of the conference's top programs. Woodley has also been encouraged by the development of sophomore Morgan Csajaghy, whose improved technical ability has translated into increased confidence on the field. Svensson, meanwhile, has returned even sharper than she was a year ago, and the coaching staff hopes the dynamic sophomore can build upon an already outstanding debut season.

After proving they belong among the conference's elite, the Vikings are focused on taking another step forward in 2026. Throughout spring training and preseason camp, North Park has emphasized controlling their possession more effectively on offense, creating greater consistency in the attack, and becoming more dangerous on set pieces. Woodley noted that while reaching the final third of the pitch was often a strength last season, the next stage of the team's development will be capitalizing more consistently on those opportunities.

Just as important has been managing the shift in expectations. Rather than shying away from the attention that comes with last year's success, Woodley wants her squad to embrace it while maintaining the same work ethic that fueled the breakthrough season.

"We understand there's a target on our backs now," Woodley said. "But our approach can't change. We still have to work like we're chasing everyone else."

North Park will also benefit from an influx of new talent. Goalkeeper McKenna Harvey and forward Lily Cerjak joined the Vikings as transfers during the spring, while freshmen Linnea Furufors and Almi Palmer have already impressed the coaching staff. Woodley believes all four newcomers have the potential to make an immediate impact and contribute to winning from the outset.

As the Vikings prepare to open the 2026 campaign, Woodley hopes her team continues to blend confidence with hunger. Despite the program's growing reputation, she wants North Park to maintain the underdog mentality that helped drive last season's success.  The goal, Woodley said, is to build and perform like a championship-caliber team while never losing the edge that sparked the program's rise. 

The Vikings open their season tonight, September 1, on the road against Benedictine University, with first kick set to take place at 4pm before hosting their first home game on Thursday, September 3, at 7pm.

Tickets for all North Park home events are now available for purchase online