Alex Manuel
Head coach Marc Hubbard gives members of the Red Terrors high-fives after the game against FAU in Dail Soccer Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. The Wolfpack defeated the Owls 2-0.
With most of the fall sports in full swing, some have risen to the top while others have struggled to stay afloat. Outlined is a summary of each program’s start to their season.
No. 5 Men’s soccer (5-0-1)
Wolfpack men’s soccer is red hot in year two under head coach Marc Hubbard. So much so, the Pack has yet to let up a goal through six games — one of three teams to hold that record as of Sept. 14. A solid win versus Florida Atlantic was added to NC State’s resume, but it has yet to play any real contenders.
That is soon to change, though, as conference play approaches, with the ACC being the premier soccer conference. Circle your calendars as the Pack hosts No. 2 Clemson on Friday, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. Also on the calendar, No. 11 UNC Greensboro and No. 19 Duke on Oct. 21 and 25.
Junior forward Donavan Phillip leads the charge with a team-high six goals. The Saint Lucia native has hit a new gear after deciding to return to the Wolfpack after getting drafted No. 62 by the Colorado Rapids of the MLS, having a chance to go pro. The Pack has elevated as Hubbard continues to build a powerhouse here in Raleigh.
Women’s golf
The golf season is split into a fall and a spring portion, with each equally contributing to postseason qualification. The postseason feels like a year away — a unique aspect of college golf — but it is still important to be locked in from the first tee.
For sophomore phenom Marie Eline Madsen, it’s safe to say she has already hit her stride. With Wolfpack women’s golf opening the season at the Cougar Classic at Yeamans Hall Club, Madsen dominated the field, winning by five strokes and shooting a program-record tournament score of 198. To close it out, she shot a career-best 62 on the way to her third collegiate win — tying Lauren Olivares Leon and Augusta James for the most in NC State history.
As a team, the Pack finished 12 at the Cougar Classic — underwhelming considering Madsen’s success. But with three underclassmen starters, the Pack is inexperienced and adjusting to the grind of college golf could take some time. By the end of the season, expect Madsen — and possibly the team — to be contending for a national championship.
Volleyball (6-2)
With the surprise retirement of former head coach Luka Slabe and the departures of stars Ava Brizard and Amanda Rice, the future of the Wolfpack volleyball program seemed to be hanging in the balance. But so far, under-promoted head coach Megan Wargo-Kearny, the Pack has found some stability.
Leading the charge on the court, senior outside hitter Courtney Bryant and freshman opposite hitter Jordan Smith have been laying the law of the land, posting a combined 169 kills. Along with leading in kills, Bryant also leads in service aces with 18.
At the end of the month, circle your calendars for a few big rivalry matchups against Duke on Sept. 26 and No. 25 UNC on Sept. 28. Just eight games into a 30-game season, the path of Wolfpack volleyball is far from clear. But it is apparent that Wargo-Kearny has taken the role by the horns and is leading the Pack in the right direction.
Women’s soccer (1-6-2)
One of three fall sports under the guidance of a first-year head coach, Wolfpack women’s soccer has struggled under Gary Higgins. Starting the season 0-5-2, the results were not there. The Scotland native said it best in reaction to the team’s fourth loss of the season to Davidson.
“We’ve got to take this defeat on the chin and keep moving forward,” Higgins said.
Out of the defeat, the Pack grew, soon picking up its first win of the season against Campbell 4-0. In its most recent contest, NC State battled tooth and nail, keeping even with No. 6 Notre Dame for 85 minutes. But a late breakthrough for the Fighting Irish dashed the hopes of a massive draw.
Blocking shots and digging deep in the face of a giant, the Pack almost struck gold. But the result was not all negative. If it continues to dig the way it had against Notre Dame, maybe NC State will find its fortune.
Men’s golf
With the retirement of former head coach Press McPhaul, who, along with having a great name, led a consistent Wolfpack men’s golf program that saw 16 tournament titles, 15 individual titles, six regional appearances and two national championship berths under his reign, Raleigh native Bo Andrews has taken over and brought in a new cast of characters.
In the season opener at Andrews’ former place of employment, the Pack placed 15th of 16 in the Visit Knoxville Invitational, hosted by Tennessee. Also joining the Wolfpack ranks from Tennessee is sophomore Pearce Lewin, who had the best finish on the team, but nonetheless had a lackluster start to the season, finishing tied for 40th. More players transferring into the program: senior Evan Woosley-Reed from Tennessee and redshirt senior Markus Varjun from Middle Tennessee.
Returners to the program include sophomores Hunter Stetson and Xander Goboy, and senior Joey Lenane. In a rebuilding year for the Pack, with the loss of its star Nick Mathews, an NCAA regional appearance seems unlikely. But being only one tournament into the long golf season, don’t sell your Wolfpack men’s golf stock just yet.