Lyndonville, VT - The Vermont State University Lyndon women's and men's soccer teams will open their 2026 seasons on Tuesday evening when they travel to Paul Smith's College for a non-conference doubleheader.  The women will lead things off with a 5:00 pm kickoff, followed by the men's game at 7:00 pm.  Both teams head into the season with promise, looking to further establish a solid foundation.

Women's Soccer

The Hornet women will have a new look and new leadership on the sidelines this season.  Lyndon alumnus Quinn Bressler takes over as the head coach and welcomes eight newcomers to his roster.  They will join five returners from the 2025 squad.

Sophomore goalkeeper and co-captain Aracely Delgado-Juarez (LaBelle, FL) leads the list of returnees.  Delgado-Juarez was in goal in nine games a year ago.  She recorded 113 saves on the season, and posted a clean sheet in the Hornets' 2-0 shutout of Vermont State University Randolph, the program's first victory in over two seasons.

Junior forward Sarah Collier (Hardwick, VT) is expected to make a big jump and provide Lyndon with veteran stability this season.  Senior midfielder and co-captain Alyssa Gerrish (Georgia, VT), junior defender Victoria Fitih (Madison, TN), and sophomore forward Makayla Longway (Essex Junction, VT) also return for the Hornets.

Among the newcomers, freshman midfielder Wahaila Granillo (Albuquerque, NM) is expected to immediately bolster the Lyndon attack.  A talented playmaker and scorer, Granillo was a double figure scorer and notched over 50 assists in high school.

Freshman defender Emily Clark (St. Johnsbury, VT), a standout at nearby St. Johnsbury Academy, should also make a big impact.  She will be joined by her sister, sophomore defender Ashley Clark (St. Johnsbury, VT).  Senior Verna Stoddard (Orleans, VT) and four additional freshmen, goalkeeper Ella Renaud (Hardwick, VT), defender Phoebe Crocker (Danville, VT), midfielder Kailee Dohrman (Buffalo, NY), and forward Alexandria Bingham (Barre, VT) round out the roster.

Bressler is enthusiastic about the upcoming season.  "It was great to see the Hornets be able to have a season last year after not having one the year prior.  The mix of a few experienced players and some new faces will hopefully help the team continue to improve and build on last year's results.  I am excited for the season and am confident that the team will put in the work!"

Brian Maurer returns as an assistant coach.  He will be joined on Bressler's staff by Kove Harris and Lyndon men's head coach Zach Blaser.

Lyndon will be looking to improve upon their 2025 campaign, which saw the Hornets return from a one-year hiatus to finish 1-12.  North Atlantic Conference coaches have picked Lyndon to finish eighth this season.  Defending NAC champion Lesley University is the pick to repeat in 2026.  Lyndon's NAC opener will be on September 19th, when they travel to Thomas College.

Men's Soccer

The Lyndon men return eight players from last year and another from two seasons ago.  They will be joined by an incoming class of 12, giving the Hornets one of their larger rosters in recent history.

Third year defender and tri-captain Jason Nofsker (Virginia Beach, VA), an honorable mention NAC All-Conference selection in his rookie season of 2024, returns to anchor the Lyndon defense.  Nofsker, the Hornets' most experienced player, has played in 28 games in his career, making 26 starts.  His experience and leadership wil bring stability to this year's team.

A pair of sophomores, forward and tri-captain Ethan Cardenas (Tracy, CA) and midfielder Carter Johns (St. Johnsbury, VT)  will also be counted on to draw on their experience.  Cardenas notched a pair of goals and an assist in his freshman campaign, while Johns saw action in six contests while being limited by injury.  A pair of sophomore goalkeepers, Parker Pierce (Woodstock, VT) and Joe Buchanan (McCordsville, IN), also return, along with defender Everett Winslow (White River Junction, VT), midfielder Jarred Flores (Rockport, TX), and forward Ben Albert (Mashpee, MA).  Forward Winter Hill Barnes (Glover, VT), who played for the Hornets in 2024, also returns.

Transfer forward and tri-captain Brooks White (Lincoln, AL) should provide a big boost up front.  White spent his rookie season at Andrew College in Cuthbert, GA.  He made 13 appearances, scoring a pair of goals.  Freshmen who should make their presence felt right away include defender Gavin Rummler (Victoryville, CA) and forward Adrian Placencia (Lincoln, CA). Goalkeepers Cayden Cowley (Pahrump, NV) and Gavin Getz (Helotes, TX), defenders Fisher Lajoie (Anchorage, AK), Jett Burnett (Layton, UT), Cole Puhalski (Colebrook, CT), and Vincent Nicoletta (Howard Beach, NY), midfielders Brayden Fisher (North Canton, OH), Haven Hill Barnes (St. Johnsbury, VT), and forward Eric Shorter (Acworth, GA) round out the incoming class.

Blaser is looking for continued growth and progress with his team.  "The team is slowly rebuilding, with a 21-man roster making it one of the largest in program history.  I believe the depth will improve team quality, reduce injuries, and increase competition between the squad."

Maurer will also assist Blaser with the men's team.  He will be joined on the staff by Bressler and Jeffrey Blais.

Lyndon looks to improve from their 1-15 finish in 2025.  The Hornets were picked to finish eighth by NAC coaches in their pre-season poll.  Defending champion Husson University was picked to repeat this season.  Like the women, Lyndon will open NAC play at Thomas College on September 19th.