BURNSVILLE, Minn. – The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference released the 2025 Women's Soccer Coaches' Poll and Winona State is voted to finish tenth in the league.
Faith Quinn and
Annika Groendal were selected as Winona State's players to watch for the upcoming season.
The Warriors picked up 95 points in the poll while Minnesota State was selected to finish first with 224 points.
Winona State will be under the direction of second-year coach,
Delaney Marier. Under Marier's leadership the Warriors went 6-8-2 overall and 5-8-1 in the NSIC last year. The Warriors are looking to build off previous seasons and begin to establish themselves within the NSIC.
Looking ahead into the season, Coach Marier noted, "This fall is going to be exciting. We have a strong group of returners who've laid the foundation over the past year, and we've added some new players who bring fresh energy and quality to the squad. What excites me most is how this group is coming together — there's a shared drive to compete, grow, and represent Winona State with pride. We've built a culture centered on accountability and connection, and now we're ready to take the next step. The energy around this team is real, and I can't wait to see it translate on the field."
Quinn, a sophomore from Winona, Minn., started nine games last year and had 13 shots with eight on net. Coach Marier on Quinn: "A dynamic presence in the final third, Faith enters the 2025 season as a key offensive catalyst for Winona State. With a relentless work rate, sharp movement off the ball, and an eye for goal, Quinn is poised to make a major impact in the NSIC. Whether creating chances for teammates or finishing them herself, Faith brings creativity, composure, and competitiveness that will drive the Warriors' attack this fall."
Groendal, a junior from New Berlin, Wis., started 12 games and appeared in all 16 games for the Warriors last season. Coach Marier on Groendal: "Annika is the kind of player every coach wants anchoring their backline. She's steady, composed, and brings a presence that naturally organizes and calms the group around her. Annika leads with her voice and her actions — she's the first to step into a challenge and the first to lift a teammate up. She sees the game a play ahead, reads pressure well, and is consistently in the right spot to snuff out dangerous moments before they develop. Off the field, she brings humility, work ethic, and a commitment to doing things the right way — a true reflection of our program's values."
Winona State will open the 2025 season against Michigan Tech on Friday, August 29th in Winona, Minn.
The 2025 NSIC Soccer Regular Season Champion will be determined by a 15-match league schedule, with a win earning a team three points and a tie one point. The 2025 NSIC Soccer season will see its first conference action beginning on Friday, September 19.
