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 Morgan Wilcox and Coryn McDonnell were this year's additions.
#2 Coryn McDonnell, So., defender
McDonnell was named to the 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 of 110 minutes in the championship game against USC Upstate. McDonnell made her collegiate debut against Virginia Tech on August 14, 2025.
People are also reading…
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, totaling 1,203 minutes of game time. She scored her first goal of the season in a matchup with Radford and scored the tying goal against Winthrop. Haghgoo also assisted two goals in games against Gardner-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 against College of Charleston, the second against Presbyterian College, and the last in the Big South Conference Tournament against Radford. Wilcox also earned a spot on the CSC Academic All-District Team.
McGuiness 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 extra time in 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 scored a goal against Charleston Southern. Resker's first assist of the season came in a matchup 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 p.m. to open the season at Vert Stadium.
