The University of Utah women's soccer program kicked off fall practice on Wednesday, marking the official start of preparations for the 2026 campaign. Head coach Hideki Nakada, now in his sixth season with the program, oversaw the first drills as the team began to shape its identity heading into the upcoming schedule.
A Fresh Look at the 2026 Campaign
The 2026 roster features a balanced mix of youth and experience, with 18 first‑year players joining ten returning athletes who helped the 2025 squad post a 5‑3‑1 non‑conference record. Wins over Gonzaga and Washington highlighted that season, and the returning core brings a blend of skill and familiarity that Nakada hopes will translate into a stronger overall performance.
The 2026 slate comprises 19 matches, eight of which will be played at home in Ute Field. The Big 12 schedule opens with a road test at Arizona State on September 18, and the season will close at home against Kansas State on November 4. In between, the team will face a series of in‑state rivals, giving fans ample opportunity to see the Utes compete against every program within Utah.
Nakada expressed enthusiasm about the group’s potential, noting that the chance to play across the state adds a unique competitive edge. He also emphasized that the upcoming Big 12 schedule presents a formidable challenge, but one that the program is eager to meet as it looks to build on recent successes.