WKU was picked to finish fourth in the league by the coaches behind Liberty, New Mexico State and Louisiana Tech. Both Liberty and New Mexico State were NCAA Tournament teams last season.
Barnett became WKU's first All-American player in the spring of 2021, earning United Soccer Coaches All-American Third Team honors. That same season, Barnett was named the CUSA Player of the Year and Midfielder of the Year. The Rockport, Indiana native has sat out the last two seasons due to injury, but is cleared to play in 2023.
2023 CUSA Women's Soccer Preseason Team
Ainsley Leja, Goalkeeper (Liberty)
Josie Studer, Defender (LA Tech)
Bridie Herman, Defender (Liberty)
Caroline Manley, Defender (Middle Tennessee)
Mya Hammack, Defender (New Mexico State)
Thalia Chaverria, Defender (New Mexico State)*
Rachel DeRuby, Midfielder (Liberty)
Saydie Holland, Midfielder (Liberty)
Bianca Chacon, Midfielder (New Mexico State)
Ambere Barnett, Midfielder (WKU)
Nikole Solis, Forward (FIU)
Flavie Dube, Forward (LA Tech)
Ivy Garner, Forward (Liberty)
Loma McNeese, Forward (New Mexico State)
*Posthumous selection
Predicted Order of Finish
- Liberty (5)
- New Mexico State (3)
- Louisiana Tech (1)
- WKU
- FIU
- Middle Tennessee
- UTEP
- Sam Houston
- Jacksonville State
How to follow the Lady Toppers: For complete information on WKU Soccer, visit WKUSports.com or follow the program via social media @WKU_Soccer on X and Instagram and @WKUSoccer on Facebook.
