ORLANDO, Fla. – The Florida Tech women's soccer team earns the top spot in the Sunshine State Conference preseason coaches' poll as announced by the conference office, Wednesday. 
 
The Panthers claim the top spot in the SSC poll for the first time since 2011. Tech is coming off a 13-3-3 (8-1-1 SSC) season while also winning the 2024 regular season SSC title as well as the 2024 SSC Tournament. 
 
Florida Tech brings 16 returners from last year's squad and welcomes in 13 newcomers. Of the returners, Kaitlin Sinkler is coming off a 2024 season where she was named SSC Goalkeeper of the Year. Sara Batchadji joins Sinkler as the returners who were named All-SSC First Team in 2024. 
 
Nova Southeastern follows Florida Tech with 88 points for second place while Rollins rounds out the top three with 82 points. In the middle of the pack, Embry-Riddle claims fourth, Saint Leo fifth and Eckerd sixth. 
 
Barry earns the seventh spot with 41 points followed by Lynn (40), Tampa (26), Palm Beach Atlantic (24) and Florida Southern (21). 
 
Reigning SSC Coach of the Year Katy Freels and the Panthers open the 2025 season at home on Thursday, Sept. 4 against Auburn Montgomery.