Head Coach Nick Cotter and the Newberry College Wolves enter the 2026 season aiming for the program's first NCAA Tournament appearance. "We return a lot of senior leadership," Cotter said. "We are veteran-heavy on defense, while our offense remains young."

Cotter, the founding coach of the program, has led the Wolves to a 67–48 record over eight seasons, including five consecutive winning campaigns and four straight years with double-digit victories. In 2025, Newberry finished 10–7 overall and 7–3 in South Atlantic Conference play, securing fourth place and hosting a SAC Tournament game for the third consecutive season.

The 2026 roster blends senior leadership, key transfers, and developing young talent.

The defense is anchored by 2025 SAC Defender of the Year and All-America selection Brian Lake, who started all 17 games last season, recording one goal, two assists, 41 ground balls, and 40 caused turnovers. He helped Newberry lead the SAC with 192 forced turnovers.

Senior captain Will Wozniak (19 ground balls, 15 caused turnovers in 2025) returns, along with Limestone transfers Jaiden Terry (Second Team All-SAC, 27 ground balls, 10 caused turnovers in 2025) and Ryan Morrison (Third Team All-SAC, 1 goal, 41 turnovers, 15 caused turnovers in 2025), both of whom made significant impacts in 2025.

In goal, junior Ben McMullen returns after making 11 starts last season. "Ben was getting his feet wet last year, and he's taken a major step forward this fall," Cotter said.

Cotter believes this group has the potential to be one of the nation's top defensive units.

All the pieces are in place for the Wolves to have an elite defensive unit in 2026.

"I think we will have one of the best starting defensive units in the nation.  With the seniors we have including the defensive player in the year, we should be one of the best."

Offensively, the Wolves combine youthful firepower with experienced additions.

Sophomore attacker Liam Vollens was the 2025 South Atlantic Conference Freshman of the Year and second team All-SAC after leading the Wolves with 41 goals and 60 points.  His 41 goals are the fifth most in Wolves single season history and 60 points are the seventh most in single season history. 

Sophomore Scott Williams, a third team All-SAC pick, returns in the midfield after finishing fourth on the team in goals (24) scored and points (38) and fifth (14) in assists despite starting just a single game in 2025.

"We are looking to see a big jump in their game (Vollens and Williams) from their freshman to sophomore seasons," says Cotter.

Also looking for playing time at attack are Limestone transfers Matt Burt (7 goals, 8 assists in 2025) and Bradley David (11 goals, 10 assists in 2025) and freshman Braden Woodworth.

The additions at attack have allowed Cotter to move talented sophomore Gage Vigar (3^rd team All-SAC,  29 goals, 31 assists, 60 points) from attack to the midfield.  Vigar was the team leader in assists and tied Vollans for the team lead in points.

Ace Nichols (11 goals, 16 assists in just 10 games in 2025) looks to bounce back from injury and should join Vigar and Williams at the midfield.  The Wolves also return fifth year veteran Andrew Marks (5 goals, 5 assists in 2025).

"We have to be consistent," said Cotter.  " We need to value the ball, all the small parts within a game that will realistically determine the outcome in the big games this year.  The X's and O's are great but we have to eliminate our turnovers and capitalize on their turnovers."

At defensive midfield the Wolves will rely on returner Nathan Pouliot (3 goal, 3 assists, 15 ground balls, 6 caused turnovers in 2025) and Limestone transfers Derek Caiazzo (9 goals, 5 assists, 23 round balls, 5 caused turnovers) and Nick del Grosso (1 goal, 2 assists, 9 ground balls in 2025).

The faceoff position will be led by senior Colby Rogers (2 goals, 1 assist, 40 ground balls, 54.5% faceoffs in 2025) with transfers Houston Horton (UMBC) and Mike Cox (Limestone) also seeing time.

The Wolves once again face a demanding SAC schedule, along with nationally ranked non-conference opponents Tampa, Lewis, and Indianapolis. "Competing in the best conference in Division II, plus our added non-conference challenges, puts us in position to reach our goal of becoming a national tournament team," Cotter said.

To take the next step, Cotter emphasizes discipline: "We want to play physically, but we must stay out of the penalty box. Remaining humble and hungry will be crucial."