Soccer Opens Season Picked 2nd in Jayhawk Preseason Coaches Poll, Ranked 12th Nationally

COLBY, Kan. – The 2024 KJCCC Division 1 Women's Soccer preseason order of finish was released by the league on Wednesday and the Grizzlies were picked second. The NJCAA preseason rankings were also released this week and Butler is ranked 12th nationally to being the season.

KJCCC Preseason Poll

Cowley was picked to win the league after taking the 2023 NJCAA Plains District Title. The Grizzlies followed suit in second while Hutchinson and Barton followed in third and fourth respectively. The full list can be found below and the release from the KJCC can be viewed by clicking here.

Last season Butler was picked to win the conference in the preseason poll after they had advanced to three consecutive national tournaments from 2020-22. Butler finished the season in fifth place in the regular season standings (10-6-5, 8-5-3 KJCCC) and advanced to the Region 6 semifinals before falling 4-1 to the regular season conference champions, Barton.

NJCAA D1 Women's Soccer Poll – Preseason

The KJCCC had a region/conference-high five teams ranked in the NJCAA D1 Women's Soccer Preseason Poll . Butler came in 12th behind only Cowley who was 10th. Other Jayhawk schools in the rankings included KCKCC (15th), Barton (17th) and Hutchinson (20th).

Last season Butler was ranked seventh in the preseason and were ranked in seven of the eight weekly polls throughout the season.

You can view the full poll by clicking here.

Season Outlook

Butler is led by Adam Hunter in his 18th season. Hunter holds an overall record of 280-84-18 with the Grizzlies and has led them to 10 NJCAA National Tournament appearances. He is assisted by Travis Stipp (9th season) and Junior Galvan (4th season).

The Grizzlies return 10 student-athletes from the 2023 roster including All-American and All-KJCCC midfielder Sakiko Manabe as well as All-KJCCC midfielder Ruby Kilden.

New turf was installed during the offseason at Butler's home playing field (BG Products Veterans Sports Complex) for the first time since the opening of the stadium in 2012.

The regular season opens at home on Thursday, Aug. 22, with Seminole State coming to town for a 6 p.m. game. The Grizzlies will play two exhibitions prior to the start of the regular season, Thursday, Aug. 15th at Newman University at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 18th, at home vs. Emporia State at 7 p.m.

For more news and updates on Butler Soccer, follow @ButlerGrizzlies on X and Instagram and "Butler Grizzlies" on Facebook.