.png&type=webp)
University of New Hampshire Athletics
Women’s Soccer Announces 2026 Leadership Committee
8/12/2026 4:08:00 PM | Women's Soccer
Vano named captain; Donato and Beasley selected to Leadership Committee
DURHAM, N.H. – University of New Hampshire women's soccer head coach Steve Welham has announced the program's 2026 Leadership Committee, naming senior forward Jules Vano (Yorktown, N.Y.) as team captain. Joining Vano on the committee are junior forward Madison Donati (Pacifica, Calif.) and sophomore defender Abby Beasley (Fishers, Ind.).
"We are honored and excited to have such a strong representation leading our team for the 2026 season," said Welham. "Each member brings a unique skill set and strong core values that will bode well leading our team. We are looking forward to their positive contributions on and off the field this fall and beyond."
Vano enters her senior season after earning the team's Barros Family Award in 2025-26. The award, voted on by her teammates, recognizes a player who has faced tremendous adversity while demonstrating perseverance, positivity and an uncompromising pursuit of excellence. Vano is also a member of the National College Athlete Honor Society and a three-time America East Commissioner's Honor Roll selection.
Donati has established herself as a leader both on and off the field during her time at New Hampshire. She has earned a place on the America East Commissioner's Honor Roll in every season as a Wildcat and continues to set a strong example through her commitment to the program.
Beasley made an immediate impact during her freshman campaign in 2025, collecting numerous honors. She was named to the America East All-Rookie Team, earned America East Rookie of the Week recognition on Oct. 6, received the team's Most Outstanding Freshman Award and was selected to the America East Commissioner's Honor Roll.
UNH has advanced to three America East championship matches in the last five years and will begin the 2026 season on Aug. 13 at Stonehill, with kickoff scheduled for 4 p.m.
Making the trip to cheer on the Wildcats? Book your hotel at GoCatsTravel.com — you'll get the same rate as Expedia or Booking.com, and 50% of proceeds goes straight back to UNH Athletics.
"We are honored and excited to have such a strong representation leading our team for the 2026 season," said Welham. "Each member brings a unique skill set and strong core values that will bode well leading our team. We are looking forward to their positive contributions on and off the field this fall and beyond."
Vano enters her senior season after earning the team's Barros Family Award in 2025-26. The award, voted on by her teammates, recognizes a player who has faced tremendous adversity while demonstrating perseverance, positivity and an uncompromising pursuit of excellence. Vano is also a member of the National College Athlete Honor Society and a three-time America East Commissioner's Honor Roll selection.
Donati has established herself as a leader both on and off the field during her time at New Hampshire. She has earned a place on the America East Commissioner's Honor Roll in every season as a Wildcat and continues to set a strong example through her commitment to the program.
Beasley made an immediate impact during her freshman campaign in 2025, collecting numerous honors. She was named to the America East All-Rookie Team, earned America East Rookie of the Week recognition on Oct. 6, received the team's Most Outstanding Freshman Award and was selected to the America East Commissioner's Honor Roll.
UNH has advanced to three America East championship matches in the last five years and will begin the 2026 season on Aug. 13 at Stonehill, with kickoff scheduled for 4 p.m.
Making the trip to cheer on the Wildcats? Book your hotel at GoCatsTravel.com — you'll get the same rate as Expedia or Booking.com, and 50% of proceeds goes straight back to UNH Athletics.
Players Mentioned
Sunday, October 26
Sunday, October 19
Sunday, October 05
Friday, October 03