BIRMINGHAM, Ala. The Gulf South Conference announced its 2026 Women's Soccer Newcomers to Watch List on Monday morning, with three AUM newcomers earning recognition. Eva Hendriks, Lily Hillegas and Rachel Wain were each selected to the newcomer list.
Eva Hendriks
Hendriks, a freshman forward from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, joins the Warhawks after competing with Sporting Jax ECNL. A five-year varsity soccer player, Hendriks was ranked among the top 205 players nationally in goals scored and was selected to the Sun Sentinel All-Forward Second Team.
Hendriks helped lead her high school team to a district championship in 2022 and holds the school record for most goals scored in a single season with 31. She also competed with Sunrise Surf ECNL-RL for six years and Sporting Jax ECNL for two years.
Hendriks was also selected to the DPL National Team in 2022 and traveled internationally to England to compete against academy teams.
Lily Hillegas
Hillegas, a freshman defender from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, joins AUM following her prep career at Starr's Mill High School and club experience with Pittsburgh Riverhounds ECNL. She earned Freshman of the Year honors, Big 52 Second Team, Most Valuable Player recognition and was her team's highest goal scorer with 10 goals.
Hillegas helped Starr's Mill claim a regional championship while also earning All-Regional League honors with Pittsburgh Riverhounds.
Off the field, Hillegas was a member of the National Honor Society and served as a class communications officer, student council officer and Hands for Service officer.
Rachel Wain
Wain, a freshman forward from Fishers, Indiana, joins the Warhawks following her time with FC Pride ECNL. During her prep career, Wain earned Dean's List honors and was named Student of the Month during her tenure at Fishers High School.
2026 GSC Women's Soccer Coaches Preseason Poll
1. Lee (10), 120 points
2. Montevallo (2), 112 points
3. West Alabama, 94 points
4. Delta State, 87 points
5. Mississippi Christian, 86 points
6. Valdosta State, 64 points
7. UAH, 61 points
8. Spring Hill, 48 points
9. Union, 43 points
10. Trevecca Nazarene, 38 points
11. AUM, 27 points
12. Christian Brothers, 12 points
First-place votes in parentheses
The Warhawks open the season Thursday, August 27 against Emory at 4:30 pm CT at the AUM Soccer Stadium.
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