When Seton Hill University’s women’s soccer team broke into the top 20 teams in NCAA Division II, the accolade did not go unnoticed in the collegiate soccer world.

The program was featured in an article on NCAA.com, which called on senior forward Emily LoPresti to discuss how the team has gotten to a 5-1-0 start and a No. 20 ranking in the nation.

In the article, “Seton Hill is the No. 20 ranked team in DII women's soccer. Here are 3 things you should know about the upstart Griffins,” which was posted to NCAA.com on September 20, LoPresti breaks down how the team has been able to find success.

One of the reasons she cited: Senior leadership.

“My class as a whole has really changed this program,” LoPresti said in the article. “That first year we came in and won more games than the previous year, we've just stepped it up and made this program better. We’ve always been close, pushing this team to keep going. I hope when we leave they carry on the tradition.”

When LoPresti and the other seniors on the team arrived in 2015, the Griffins had just posted a 5-10-3 season. The team has shown improvement every year, and, last season, the Griffins won a program-best 12 games and made it to the first Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference tournament in team history.

The No. 20 ranking in the latest Division II poll marks the first time the Griffins have appeared in two polls in the same season – they debuted last week at No. 24.

“All of us are Seton Hill are proud of the success that the women’s soccer team has continued to have on the field this season, and we are pleased that the program is receiving well-deserved national attention for its efforts,” said Seton Hill President Mary C. Finger, Ed.D. “Athletically, academically and through service in the community, the members of the women’s soccer team serve as wonderful examples of what Seton Hill student-athletes can accomplish through hard work and dedication.”

“Our women's soccer team has steadily improved since the arrival of Emily's class,” said Christopher Snyder, Executive Director of Athletics. “Coach Andy McNab and his staff are continually working to develop a complete program that can compete in the very competitive PSAC. It is rewarding to see Emily and her fellow seniors benefit from all of their hard work and dedication. They have truly transformed the program, much like our graduates are set to transform the world.”

In the article, LoPresti also had the opportunity to share a little bit about herself – from her favorite movie to her favorite candy as well as what she likes best about Seton Hill.

“I like how small it is, and how everyone is so close,” she said in the article. “Every team here supports each other and hopes for the best for each other. I think that’s what makes this place so special.”

The full NCAA.com article can be found here.