NEW PALTZ, NY – The State University of New York New Paltz women's soccer team earned regional recognition Tuesday, coming in at No. 6 in the second United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division III Region IV poll of the 2026 season. The ranking marks the Hawks' first appearance in the regional poll since 2024, when they were also ranked No. 6.
The Hawks currently boast a 4-2 record on the young campaign, recording shutouts in each of their four victories, highlighted by their biggest win of the season this past Saturday.
SUNY New Paltz earned its first regular-season victory over a nationally ranked opponent, shutting down No. 16 William Smith College to help propel the Hawks into the regional rankings.
Junior forward Abby Macleod has paced the offense, standing as one of seven active players in the NJAC with four or more goals this season, most recently being selected as the NJAC Offensive Player of the Week. Grace Norelius and Samantha Gemmo have served as the primary distributors for the Hawks' attack, collecting two assists apiece.
Jess Centeri has been lights out between the posts, leading the conference with four shutouts while also pacing the NJAC with 6.33 saves per game. The junior goalkeeper ranks second in the conference with a .927 save percentage and fourth in goals-against average, collecting her first NJAC Defensive Player of the Week nod this week.
SUNY New Paltz was one of six NJAC programs included in the Region IV top eight, joining No. 1 Rowan University, No. 2 TCNJ and No. 3 Montclair State. Rutgers University-Camden followed the Hawks at No. 7, while Stockton rounded out the rankings at No. 8.
The Hawks will have a brief break from competition before opening their inaugural NJAC slate, hosting nationally ranked No. 22 Montclair State Wednesday, Sept. 30 on North Turf at 3 p.m.
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