CONWAY, Ark. – With the season on the horizon, the Atlantic Sun Conference has released its preseason all-conference team and coaches' poll, with the Bears receiving a well-deserved spot on both lists.
 
The highlight of the list is last season's Midfielder of the Year Kelly Van Gundy being named to the Preseason All-ASUN Team. The senior led the Bears in every major offensive category last year, tallying 18 points on seven goals and four assists. Four of her goals were game-winners, and she converted both PKs during the year.
 
She also made a heck of an impact during the ASUN portion of the schedule, putting home five of her goals and all four assists during league games. She was responsible for multiple goals four times during ASUN matches, scoring twice against North Florida, logging two assists against FGCU, and contributing a goal and an assist against both Kennesaw State and Eastern Kentucky.
 
Van Gundy leads a Bears team that was selected to finish third in the coaches' poll. After finishing second in last season's ASUN standings, the Bears bring back eight goal scorers, five of the top six in minutes played, and a host of key returners from last season's squad. Head coach Jeremy Bishop, entering his 13^th season, looks to continue the streak of ASUN Semifinals, having reached the postseason stage in all three seasons since joining the ASUN.
 
"Preseason polls and all-conference selections are great for adding motivation and getting excited about the upcoming season," Bishop said. "But we are more focused on the standings and the selections at the end of the season. We are excited for Kelly, she is very deserving, and we're looking forward to a great season from her."