Gwynedd Valley, Pa. – (8/31/2026) – "When you look at last year's journey to the AEC (Atlantic East Conference) Championship, that moment didn't happen overnight," opened Gwynedd Mercy University Head Women's Soccer Coach Michael Nelms. "It was the product of years of hard work, new players buying-in, seniors leaving it all on the field, everyone believing in each other even when the result didn't go our way. Reaching the championship was an important step, but it's not our finish line."
 
Predicted to finish as the final qualifying team for the 2025 AEC Women's Soccer Championship Tournament, Gwynedd Mercy University did just that with their 11-9-1 overall record and a 3-4 mark in conference play. What the preseason poll could not predict was the determination of the Red and Gold, whose grit and resilience propelled the Griffins past a 4-2 AEC First Round win over #4 Pratt Institute (Nov. 1) and a 1-0 AEC Semifinal victory over #1 Marywood University (Nov. 4), to their first league final since an appearance in the 2015 Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) Championship (L, 0-1 @ #1 Cabrini College on Nov. 7). Unfortunately, Gwynedd Mercy University fell just shy of hoisting their first AEC Championship as 2024 AEC Runner-Up, Marymount University (L, 0-4 on Nov. 8) succeeded in their second league championship in the last three seasons.
 
Gwynedd Mercy University midfielders, senior Kira Bradley (Langhorne, Pa.) and junior Rebecca Gordon (Sicklerville, N.J.) represented the Red and Gold on the 2025 All-AEC Women's Soccer Team. The former was the Griffins unstoppable force as the Bryn Athyn transfer earned All-AEC First Team honors and headlined Gwynedd Mercy University individual statistics with team-highs in goals (19), assists (5), points (43), shots (80), and game-winning goals (4 GWG). Meanwhile, the latter was one of several playmakers who facilitated Bradley's impressive season as she matched career-highs in both goals (4) and assists (5) in a career-best 13-point season.
 
In 2026, Gordon takes on captaincy along with senior midfielder Bridget Cannon (Bensalem, Pa.), junior defender/midfielder Paige Fienman (Philadelphia, Pa.), and sophomore defender Addyson Sparks (Philadelphia, Pa.). "These four women played a big part in our success last year," said Coach Nelms. "Bridget and Paige, and some of our seniors - Elena (DiPrinzio) and Jessica (Parker) - remember the tough days and they know there will be more along the way. But those are learning moments, times when they will need to address their teammates and reestablish our discipline and our expectations."
 
Gordon's improved offense was a welcomed complement to Bradley's historic season. In 2026, Coach Nelms will look to her classmates, Cannon and Elena DiPrinzio (Warrington, Pa.), as well as a strong junior class; midfielder Anna Nicosia (Columbus, N.J.), midfielder/defender Samantha Winco (Chalfont, Pa.), and junior midfielder Olivia Crawford (Rockledge, Pa.) to replace the production of Bradley, Natalie Morris '26 (10 points; 4 goals, 2 assists), and Drew Bark (10; 5, 0). "We have some experienced players in the midfield and attacking units," acknowledged Coach Nelms. "Their consistency is key. We need them to compete every day, connect on every play, and create opportunities for their teammates."
 
Coach Nelms also mentioned the importance of depth. "Our roster needs to continue to develop. New contributors, new leaders, and a new level of responsibility to themselves and their teammates." Among those identified as key pieces off the bench were junior defenders Arianna Catanzariti (Blackwood, N.J.) and Casey Thomas (Philadelphia, Pa.) as well as a host of sophomores; defender Samantha Whelan (Birdsboro, Pa.), sophomore defender Madelon Senior (Warminster, Pa.), and sophomore midfielder/defender Cecelia Felmey (Warminster, Pa.). "One of greatest strengths is our depth," recognized Coach Nelms. "All these women have solid college experience and an understanding of the demand of competing at this level. Now it's their turn to take the next step individually and show the newcomers how to move the program forward."
 
Additions to the 2026 roster include senior midfielder/defender Jordan Fregia (Levittown, Pa.), sophomore midfield transfer Alexa Harr (Philadelphia, Pa.), and four freshmen; midfielder/defender LaNya Bracero (Palmyra, N.J.), midfielder midfielder/defender Sarah O'Neil (Bensalem, Pa.), forward/midfielder Michelina Soroka (Hatboro, Pa.), and goalkeeper Aubrey Thompson (Levittown, Pa.). Fregia was a regular in the 2023 starting lineup (17 games played – 17 games started) as she totaled eight shots and an assist (1 point) en route to an All-AEC First Team selection. Meanwhile, with the graduation of goalkeeping mainstays Natalie Gablein '26 and Madisson Ronn '26, Thompson will be thrust into a goalkeeping competition between sophomores Zoe Davis (Riverside, N.J.) and Chloe Pennings (Williamsport, Pa.). "We are excited about the energy, athleticism, and potential our newcomers bring to the team," complimented Coach Nelms. "They are joining our roster at an important time. We need them to embrace the culture, join us on our journey, and recognize the special opportunity we have to write the next chapter of Gwynedd Mercy University women's soccer."
 
"We know there is a lot of work to be done. But, that is part of who we are." Coach Nelms emphasized the core to the Griffin culture he has created, "Resilient, connected, and hungry. We grow from adversity, we share the weight, and we're never satisfied. Last year was proof of what can happen when we work for each other. The next challenge is here and we can't wait to get started."
 
The Gwynedd Mercy University women's soccer season begins on Tuesday, September 1, when the Griffins host Wilson College for a 6:00 p.m. kickoff.