GREENVILLE, S.C. – The UNC Pembroke soccer team was picked third in the 2026 Conference Carolinas Preseason Poll released Wednesday afternoon.

The Black & Gold picked up 192 points to slot in behind 2025 Conference Carolinas East Division champion Francis Marion, who received ten first-place votes and 220 points, and 2025 Conference Carolinas Northwest Division champion Belmont Abbey, who earned five first-place votes and 204 points. Young Harris tallied 166 points to land in fourth, with Chowan rounding out the top five with 145 points. Emmanuel earned the final first-place vote and was picked to finish ninth.

The Braves return 14 players from last year's squad that posted a 10-7-1 record, including a 9-3-1 mark inside conference play, while also adding 13 new faces to the roster.

The Black & Gold will officially open the 2026 season on August 27 as they travel to take on Belmont Abbey. Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. at Alumni Field and has been designated as a non-conference match.

The preseason poll was voted on by the league's head coaches and are not permitted to vote for their own school.