Azul Alvarez, the Baylor soccer goalkeeper, has been selected for the United Soccer Coaches 2026 Goalkeepers to Watch list, a preseason acknowledgment that highlights the nation’s most promising net‑minders.
A Season Defined by Shutouts
The honor comes after a 2025 campaign in which Alvarez posted a career‑high 12 shutouts, helping the Bears secure a spot in the Big 12 semifinals and advance to the NCAA Tournament’s Round of 16.
She logged 2,082 minutes — every minute except for 22 — across the season, compiling 97 saves that placed her ninth on Baylor’s all‑time single‑season list.
A Rivalry Renewed
Alvarez is one of only two Big 12 goalkeepers named to the watch list, the other being Sophia Dawe of Kansas, who will face Baylor in an early‑season showdown.
The two keepers previously met in September 2025, when Baylor edged Kansas 3‑0, a result that added a narrative twist to the upcoming 2026 matchup.
Early‑Season Schedule
Baylor will open its campaign with an exhibition against SMU on August 8 at 7 p.m. in Dallas, before launching the official schedule on August 12 with a road test against the University of Arkansas.
SEC’s Role in Spotlight
Both games will be streamed on the SEC’s digital platform, giving fans a chance to see the conference’s top defensive talent in action.
The upcoming season promises to test the Bears’ defensive depth, but Alvarez’s experience and statistical pedigree position her as a cornerstone for the team’s aspirations.