Denver, Colo. - San Jose State women's soccer was picked to finish fourth in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) by its coaches in the annual WAC Preseason Poll.

    The Spartans finished the 2011 season tied for third in the WAC with a 4-2-1 conference record and a 6-12-1 overall record.

    Denver was selected to win the conference title with six first place votes. The team makes its debut in the WAC this season, following a 16-5-0 record that placed the Pioneers third in the Sun Belt Conference.

    The 2011 WAC Tournament champion, Utah State placed second in the poll with three first place votes, followed by Seattle University. Idaho was picked to finish behind San Jose State at fifth, while WAC newcomers UTSA and Texas State finished tied for sixth. New Mexico State was voted into the eight spot and Louisiana Tech finished at the bottom of the poll.

    Idaho forward Chelsea Small was given the Preseason Offensive Player of the Year nod for the second-straight season. The senior is a three-time all-WAC honoree and led the conference last season in shots (26) and shots per game (3.71).

    Utah State senior Natalie Norris was named the Preseason Defensive Player of the Year after she was named the 2010 and 2011 WAC Defensive Player of the Year. She was named first team all-WAC in each of those years.

    Senior Kelsey Lord was the lone Spartan named to the 2012 Preseason All-WAC team. This is her second consecutive appearance on the list. Last season, Lord led San Jose State field players in all statistical categories, including goals (six), assists (five), points (17), shots (40), shots on goal (16), and game-winning goals (four). Her four game-winning goals were the most in the WAC.

    The Spartans open the 2012 season on Friday, August 17 against the University of San Francisco. The match is set for 7:00 p.m. at Spartan Stadium.

2012 WAC Preseason Coaches' Poll

2012 Preseason All-WAC Team

Preseason Offensive Player of the Year
Chelsea Small, Sr., F, Idaho

Preseason Defensive Player of the Year
Natalie Norris, Sr., D, Utah State