Aug. 2, 2016
Full Preseason Poll
AUBURN, Ala. -- The Auburn soccer program finished the 2015 season exactly where it will start 2016. The Tigers will open the upcoming campaign ranked at No. 12, according to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America's (NSCAA) annual preseason poll.
Auburn earned its ranking after producing a stellar 16-6-1 record, highlighted by its first trip to the Sweet 16 in last year's NCAA Tournament.
The Tigers have reached the NCAA Tournament 13 times since 2000 and capped last season with its highest ranking to finish a season ever at No. 12.
Auburn roars into the 2016 season on the backs of quality leadership through the senior class, including sisters Brooke and Casie Ramsier in the midfield. C. Ramsier made her way onto the MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List a week ago, following a season where she paced the Tigers with 12 goals, the second-most all-time in program history.
Auburn is set to tackle one of the toughest slates in all of college soccer, including five teams ranked in the preseason poll. The Tigers open the season against No. 14 Clemson on Aug. 19 at the Auburn Soccer Complex.
The other ranked non-conference foe is just one spot higher in No. 11 USC. Auburn welcomes the Women of Troy Sept. 4 in part of the Auburn Soccer Classic that also features Georgia and Iowa State.
In conference, the Tigers are set to face No. 24 South Carolina at home before travelling to No. 7 Florida and No. 8 Texas A&M.
South Alabama and LSU -- two opponents on Auburn's 2016 slate -- were just outside the Top 25, but received votes.
Auburn begins preparation for the season on Wednesday when practice is officially open for all programs.