Austin Peay State University’s soccer program will open its 25th season with an exhibition match against Southern Illinois University on Friday at 4 p.m., held at the Lew Hartzog Track & Field Complex in Carbondale, Illinois.
The Governors finished the 2025 campaign with a 0-11-7 record and placed sixth in the Atlantic Sun Conference Gold Division, a result that has set the stage for a fresh start under head coach Kim McGowan.
McGowan, who guided the team to a 1-0 victory over Belmont in a recent exhibition, brings a 3-1-2 record in such settings and is now preparing the squad for its transition to the United Athletic Conference, a move that promises new competition and renewed ambition.
A New Chapter for the Governors
Returning sophomore midfielder Kiley Reese, a 2024 All-ASUN Freshman Team honoree, headlines a core group of 14 players retained from last year, while the roster also welcomes six transfers and six freshmen, including two newcomers from Tennessee.
The upcoming season offers a chance to rewrite the narrative after a winless year, with the coaching staff emphasizing development, defensive solidity and the integration of fresh talent into a more cohesive unit.