CHARLOTTE, N.C. – On Wednesday, the Big South Conference revealed its Top Returners to Watch List for the 2026 season. For High Point University, Sabba Haghgoo, Kari Powell, and Kasey Resker were deemed returners to watch for the second year in a row, while the Morgan Wilcox and Coryn McDonnell were this year's additions.

#2 Coryn McDonnell, So., Defender
McDonnell was named All-Tournament team as a freshman after starting 15 games and playing in 19. She racked up 1,325 minutes of playing time, and had a season high, 110 minutes of play in the championship game against USC Upstate. McDonnell made her collegiate debut against Virginia Tech August 14, 2025.

McGuiness on McDonnell: "Coryn a composed and consistent center back with a high soccer IQ. She stepped up last year as a freshman and we are excited to see what she can do this year."

#4 Sabba Haghgoo, Jr., Forward
Haghgoo started, and played, in all 20 games last season where she totaled 1,203 minutes of game time. She scored her first goal of the season in a match up with Radford, and scored the tying goal against Winthrop. Haghgoo also assisted two goals in games against Garner Webb on two separate occasions.

McGuiness on Haghgoo: "Sabba is a strong attacking player and has the ability to score and assist goals. Her competitiveness drives and makes her a tough player to play against. We're excited to see what she can do this year."

#17 Morgan Wilcox, Jr., Forward
Wilcox played in 20 games, starting in 12, with 949 minutes of playing time. She claimed one assist and scored three goals last season, the first being against College of Charleston, the second in the game pitted against Presbyterian College, and the last being in the Big South Conference Tournament against Radford. Wilcox also obtained a spot on the CSC Academic All-District Team.

McGuiness on on Wilcox: "Morgan has gotten better year after year. She is athletic and her height makes her tough to handle in the box. We are really excited to see what she can bring for us this year."

#18 Kari Powell, Sr., Midfielder
Powell scored the game tying goal to force into extra time for the Big South Conference Championship. She started in all 20 games during her redshirt sophomore year. Powell collected her first goal of the season against Campbell University and clocked 1,534 minutes of playing time. She was named to the Big South All-Tournament Team and secured a spot on the CSC Academic All-District Team.

McGuiness on Powell: "Kari is a rock in our midfield. She is a very consistent and selfless player. She has high standards and leads by example. We're really excited to have her back."

#24 Kasey Resker, Jr., Defender
Resker started in 18 of her 19 games played in the 2025 season with 1,614 minutes of playing time for the Panthers. She recorded three assists in three separate games and claimed a goal against Charleston Southern. Reskers first assist of the season was captured in match up with College of Charleston.

McGuiness on Resker: "Kasey is a very consistent outside back and has improved every year. She is tough and gritty defensively, but has an elusiveness when she attacks. We are excited to see how she continues to grow this year."

HPU is hosting UNC Greensboro on Thursday, August 13 at 6:00 p.m. to open the season at Vert Stadium.