The William Smith College soccer team was voted No. 4 in the nation in the National Soccer Coaches Association preseason poll.
 
The Herons finished the 2015 season with a 19-1-2 overall record and a perfect 8-0-0 mark in Liberty League play. William Smith earned its ninth straight Liberty League regular season and tournament titles. The Herons topped Penn State Berks 3-0 in their NCAA tournament first round match and defeated Roger Williams 5-1 in the second round. William Smith then edged No. 11 Brandeis 1-0 in overtime in the third round before tying eventual national champion No. 6 Williams 1-1 in double overtime. The Ephs advanced on penalty kicks.
 
William Smith returns four of its top five scorers from last season, including All-Region selections Kara Shue and Brie Ruane. Shue led the Herons with 11 assists and ranked second with 27 points last fall, while Ruane ranked second with 10 goals and added five assists. William Smith graduated just three from its 2015 roster.
 
William Smith opens the 2016 season with a non-league game at Elmira on Sept. 1 at 4 p.m. The 2016 schedule features two opponents ranked in the Top 25 and another receiving votes. The Herons will host the 2016 William Smith Invitational where they will face No. 20 Puget Sound and Denison, which is receiving votes, on Sept. 3 and 4, respectively. The Herons' schedule also features No. 3 Messiah in Grantham, Pa., on Sept. 10.