St. Cloud State Women’s Soccer Selected Fourth in NSIC Preseason Poll
8/14/2025 10:01:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Primerano and Spaine named NSIC Preseason Players to Watch
ST. CLOUD, Minn. – St. Cloud State Women's Soccer was selected to finish fourth in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Preseason Coaches' Poll, as announced by the league on Thursday. The fourth-place selection is its second-highest since rejoining the conference in 2008, behind the runner-up placement last season and matching its selection from 2012. Additionally, senior forward Ellie Primerano (Saint Joseph, Mich.) and junior defender Ana Spaine (West Des Moines, Iowa) were named the preseason players to watch by the NSIC.
Last season, the Huskies earned its second consecutive and second-ever NCAA Tournament berth after a 11-4-5 campaign and 8-1-5 record in NSIC play. SCSU reached 10+ wins for the second consecutive season and eighth time overall, with its first time with back-to-back 10-win seasons since 2010-11. The Huskies set a program record with an 11-game unbeaten streak and advanced to the NSIC Tournament for the seventh time in the last nine seasons played. Six Huskies earned All-NSIC recognition, with Primerano and Spaine each being named to the first team.
"Our staff is to get to work with and be together with the 2025 team," said Macdonald. "This group of young women are committed to the Huskies standards and core values. Every team member has had a unique summer preparing and are ready to be together to pursue our mission. We believe wholeheartedly in the possibilities ahead this season and can't wait to get started."
Primerano continued her stellar collegiate career with an impressive junior campaign in 2024, earned her second All-NSIC first team honor and third all-conference honor overall. She is the fifth Husky to earn three or more all-conference honors and the first since Kelli Santo Paulo did so from 2016-18. On the field, Primerano scored seven goals and three assists for 17 points with three game-winning goals. Last season, she became the 22nd Husky in program history to reach 25 career points and currently ranks 12th all-time with 36 points (11g/14a).
"The moment Prim joined our program she elevated our competitive drive and collective will to win," said Macdonald. "One of her strengths is discipline. She is committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, while balancing a nursing degree and striving to be her best on the field. We're grateful Prim chose to be a Husky, we're proud to be part of her journey and we're confident in her helping the team create great and memorable moments this season."
Spaine once again anchored the Huskies backline in 2024, as she earned her second first team All-NSIC selection in as many seasons donning the black and red. She has played in and started all 20 games for the Huskies in 2024, recording one assist against MSUM (Oct. 18). She averaged 88.8 minutes per game on the pitch, played a full slate in 17 of 20 games and played on the SCSU backline which was top-five in the NSIC in goals allowed per game, recorded seven shutouts and held its opponents to zero shots on goal three times.
"Ana returns this season as a cornerstone of our defensive line and in a more formal team leadership role," said Macdonald. She is famous for her team first mentality and will often remark how she loves to play Huskies soccer because, in her mind, there is nothing better than playing the game you love with your best friends. We're excited for her to show up and inspire her teammates to be their best this season."
Before the official start of the season, the Huskies will host College of St. Benedict (Aug. 23) and Carleton College (Aug. 27) for exhibition games. St. Cloud State will kick off the season with three non-conference games, first with road games at Northern Michigan (Sept. 5) and Michigan Tech (Sept. 7) before hosting UW-Parkside for its home opener on Sept. 12. The Huskies will open NSIC play with a road trip to Minot State (Sept. 19) and UMary (Sept. 21) before hosting new NSIC opponent Jamestown on Sept. 26.
For all the latest on St. Cloud State Women's Soccer, stay tuned to SCSUHuskies.com and follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Last season, the Huskies earned its second consecutive and second-ever NCAA Tournament berth after a 11-4-5 campaign and 8-1-5 record in NSIC play. SCSU reached 10+ wins for the second consecutive season and eighth time overall, with its first time with back-to-back 10-win seasons since 2010-11. The Huskies set a program record with an 11-game unbeaten streak and advanced to the NSIC Tournament for the seventh time in the last nine seasons played. Six Huskies earned All-NSIC recognition, with Primerano and Spaine each being named to the first team.
"Our staff is to get to work with and be together with the 2025 team," said Macdonald. "This group of young women are committed to the Huskies standards and core values. Every team member has had a unique summer preparing and are ready to be together to pursue our mission. We believe wholeheartedly in the possibilities ahead this season and can't wait to get started."
Primerano continued her stellar collegiate career with an impressive junior campaign in 2024, earned her second All-NSIC first team honor and third all-conference honor overall. She is the fifth Husky to earn three or more all-conference honors and the first since Kelli Santo Paulo did so from 2016-18. On the field, Primerano scored seven goals and three assists for 17 points with three game-winning goals. Last season, she became the 22nd Husky in program history to reach 25 career points and currently ranks 12th all-time with 36 points (11g/14a).
"The moment Prim joined our program she elevated our competitive drive and collective will to win," said Macdonald. "One of her strengths is discipline. She is committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, while balancing a nursing degree and striving to be her best on the field. We're grateful Prim chose to be a Husky, we're proud to be part of her journey and we're confident in her helping the team create great and memorable moments this season."
Spaine once again anchored the Huskies backline in 2024, as she earned her second first team All-NSIC selection in as many seasons donning the black and red. She has played in and started all 20 games for the Huskies in 2024, recording one assist against MSUM (Oct. 18). She averaged 88.8 minutes per game on the pitch, played a full slate in 17 of 20 games and played on the SCSU backline which was top-five in the NSIC in goals allowed per game, recorded seven shutouts and held its opponents to zero shots on goal three times.
"Ana returns this season as a cornerstone of our defensive line and in a more formal team leadership role," said Macdonald. She is famous for her team first mentality and will often remark how she loves to play Huskies soccer because, in her mind, there is nothing better than playing the game you love with your best friends. We're excited for her to show up and inspire her teammates to be their best this season."
Before the official start of the season, the Huskies will host College of St. Benedict (Aug. 23) and Carleton College (Aug. 27) for exhibition games. St. Cloud State will kick off the season with three non-conference games, first with road games at Northern Michigan (Sept. 5) and Michigan Tech (Sept. 7) before hosting UW-Parkside for its home opener on Sept. 12. The Huskies will open NSIC play with a road trip to Minot State (Sept. 19) and UMary (Sept. 21) before hosting new NSIC opponent Jamestown on Sept. 26.
For all the latest on St. Cloud State Women's Soccer, stay tuned to SCSUHuskies.com and follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Players Mentioned
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