RAYMOND, Miss. – The Hinds Community College women's soccer team will begin the 2026 season ranked No. 20 in the NJCAA Division I Preseason Poll, placing the Lady Eagles among the nation's top community college programs heading into the new campaign.

The preseason ranking provides early recognition for a Hinds program preparing for another competitive season under head coach Lydia Sutcliffe. The Lady Eagles will look to build on the momentum of the 2025 season while continuing to establish themselves as one of the premier programs in the NJCAA.

Hinds returns to the pitch with a talented mix of experienced players and newcomers who will look to make an immediate impact. The No. 20 preseason ranking sets the stage for a challenging schedule and gives the Lady Eagles an opportunity to compete against some of the top teams in the country throughout the 2026 season.

With the preseason recognition comes high expectations, as Hinds looks to compete for conference success and make a push toward postseason play.

The Lady Eagles will open the 2026 season on Thursday, Aug. 20, against National Park College at Tom Shepherd Field in Raymond. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m.

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