A Fresh Start for the Bulldogs
The McPherson College Women's Soccer program is gearing up for the 2026 campaign, marking the second year of head coach Ian Thomson's tenure. Thomson has built a foundation of unity and is looking to translate that cohesion into on‑field success.
A core group of veterans returns, including defender Courtney Wickham, forward Allyson Harrison and midfielder Andrea Salas, all of whom started every match last season. Adding to the mix are freshman midfielders Alyssa Hill and Ayden Jones, who contributed seven and four goals respectively in 2025, and sophomore Gracie Speltz, whose nine points from five assists and two goals topped the sophomore class.
The roster will welcome 19 newcomers, a blend of fresh talent and experienced transfers. Thomson stresses that the team's potential hinges on how quickly the newcomers mesh with the returning core, a process he believes can unlock a high‑performing unit.
Returning Talent and New Faces
Wickham, Harrison and Salas provide continuity, while Hill’s seven goals and Jones’s four strikes give the midfield a potent scoring threat. Speltz’s playmaking adds depth, creating a balanced attack that can adapt to different opponents.
The influx of 19 new players brings additional options and competition, pushing the squad to train harder and fight for minutes. Thomson notes that chemistry will be the decisive factor in turning potential into results.
A Schedule Built for Growth
The season opens on August 21 at Spurgeon College, followed by a home opener against Hesston College on August 26. The Bulldogs will begin Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference play at Tabor College on September 16, and every home game will be free to attend, with live streams available through urbanedgenetwork.net.
These early fixtures set the tone for a schedule that balances challenging away matches with opportunities to showcase the team at home, where the atmosphere and community support are expected to be strong.
Community Access and Streaming
All Bulldog home games are offered at no cost, encouraging local fans to attend in person. In addition, every match will be streamed online, allowing supporters beyond the stadium to follow the action in real time.