Whitaker Named Preseason All-Metro, Women’s Soccer Tabbed Fourth

Canisius senior midfielder Jessica Whitaker was named a Preseason All-Metro Team selection as the Metro Conference announced the results of its preseason women's soccer coaches poll on Thursday.

A native of Darlington, England, Whitaker was an All-MAAC First Team selection last season after she appeared in all 19 games for the Golden Griffins, helping guide the squad to an appearance in the title game of the MAAC Women's Soccer Championship for the second time in program history.

She led the team in both points (14) and assists (6) while ranking second on the squad in goals (4). Whitaker, who played the full time in 11 contests during the 2025 campaign, tallied a career-high three assists in a 5-1 victory against Saint Peter's and notched two goals in a 4-2 triumph versus Merrimack

The Metro Women's Soccer Presseaosn Coaches' Poll saw Canisius garner 118 points, putting them in a tie with Siena for fourth place. It represented the fourth consecutive year that the Griffs have been selected in the top four of the league's preseason poll.

Defending regular-season champion Fairfield receive nine first-place votes and 164 total points to claim the top spot in the preseason coaches poll.

Reigning league tournament title holder Sacred Heart was second with three first-place votes and 151 total points while Quinnipiac was third with 146 total votes and one first-place vote. Marist (86), Manhattan (86), Iona (80), Merrimack (72), Niagara (63), Rider (40), Mount St. Mary's (39) and Saint Peter's (20) rounded out the poll.

Canisius opens the 2026 regular season Aug. 13 with a noon contest against Le Moyne at the Demske Sports Complex. Conference play begins Sept. 5 at home with a rematch of the MAAC title game against Sacred Heart.

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Players Mentioned

#6 Jessica Whitaker: M; 5' 5"; Senior

Players Mentioned

#6 Jessica Whitaker
: 5' 5"; Senior
: M

Players Mentioned

#6 Jessica Whitaker

Players Mentioned

#6 Jessica Whitaker