Coming off a rookie campaign in which she was named the Missouri Valley Conference Freshman of the Year, Valpo soccer sophomore Kiara Desiderio (St. John, Ind./Lake Central) has been selected to the Preseason All-MVC Team.
 
Desiderio, who became Valpo's first Freshman of the Year since joining the Valley and was also a Second Team All-MVC choice, kicked off her Beacon career with a team-high seven goals in 2025 — tied for third-most by a freshman in program history. She ranked third in the MVC in goals and fifth in points (15), while also being tied for seventh nationally in goals by a freshman.
 
Desiderio and the Beacons kick off the 2026 season Thursday afternoon as they head to Eastern Illinois for a 3 p.m. matchup with the Panthers.