The 2025 season ended with a modest 5-8-5 record, but the disappointment quickly turned into a blueprint for improvement. Head Coach Mauricio Ingrassia and his staff identified fitness, leadership and chemistry as the three pillars that could transform the program’s trajectory heading into 2026.
A Season of Renewal
Returning veterans Zoe Willis, Natalie Arnold, Jordan Candelaria and Cherrie Cox will serve as captains, providing a blend of defensive solidity, midfield drive and attacking firepower. Their experiences, including summer stints with professional clubs and national‑team‑level competition, are expected to elevate the squad’s overall intensity.
Willis, who trained with Angel City FC during the offseason, noted that the exposure to professional‑level talent sharpened her defensive instincts. Arnold’s comeback from hip surgery and Candelaria’s reputation as a work‑horse midfielder underscore the team’s resilience, while Uchida’s versatility offers tactical flexibility.
The midfield will be anchored by Candelaria, a former New Mexico Gatorade Player of the Year, whose leadership and relentless work rate have become a model for younger teammates. Sophomore Ameera White, who seized the starting role as a freshman, continued to refine her game, while Aurora Schuck and Amaya Sanles battle for the goalkeeper spot.
Freshmen Olivia Yu, Sydney Beaumont and Taylor Bellotti arrived with a mix of youthful energy and proven high‑school accolades. Bellotti, in particular, highlighted the value of learning from Candelaria, saying the veterans’ approach to preparation has already shaped her development as a more well‑rounded athlete.
Coach Ingrassia emphasized that off‑field bonding activities are now a core component of the program’s strategy. By fostering stronger relationships outside of practice, the team hopes to translate that chemistry into tighter on‑field coordination, especially in high‑pressure moments.
Opening the Campaign
The 2026 schedule kicks off on August 12 at home against Saint Mary’s at George Allen Field, with a 7 p.m. kickoff that promises an electric atmosphere for the returning fan base. The early non‑conference matchup will serve as a litmus test for the team’s revamped fitness regimen and tactical cohesion.
Beyond the season opener, the roster’s blend of seasoned leaders and promising newcomers positions Long Beach State to contend for Big West championships and to chase a deep run in the NCAA tournament. The program’s focus on continuous improvement, both physically and mentally, suggests that the 2026 campaign could mark a decisive turnaround.