The University of Louisiana at Monroe Warhawks will begin the 2026 campaign on the road, facing Little Rock on August 13 at 6 p.m. The match marks the first test for a squad that finished the previous season with a 9‑15‑3 opener record and three shutouts in its last five season‑opening games.
A New Era Under Coach Blackburn
Antony Blackburn, the team’s first‑year head coach, brings a global résumé that includes stints at Valencia CF in Spain and Sunderland AFC in England. Blackburn’s appointment signals a shift toward a more structured tactical approach, and he arrives with a clear vision for revitalising the program.
Among the returning letter‑winners, Beth Strutton and Lucia Gomez have been named team captains, with Strutton also earning all‑conference honors last season. Goalkeeper Jen Handy, a two‑time all‑conference selection, anchors the back line, while Maria Schuller, the 2025 OVC Forward of the Year and a Hermann Trophy Preseason Watchlist member, leads the attack.
The Warhawks’ recent history against Little Rock adds intrigue. Although Little Rock holds a 17‑9 edge in the 27‑game series, ULM captured a 2‑1 victory in 2025, snapping a streak of three consecutive shutouts in season openers. The upcoming clash will be the first meeting since that win.
Fans can look forward to the home opener on August 16, when Alcorn State visits Brown Stadium. The game will serve as the first chance for the new coaching staff to showcase the chemistry built during preseason training.
Blackburn’s recruiting haul includes 13 newcomers, highlighted by Margret Edda Bjarnadottir, the Big South Midfielder of the Year, and Ava Goodman, a transfer from Liberty. The influx of talent is expected to deepen depth and add fresh energy to both midfield and attack.
Leadership will be shared among the captains and the broader group of veterans such as Ines de Lope Casanova, Stacey Qosja, Anna Roldaan, Amy Sharkey, Maria Thania Gealon, and Rylee Methvin, all of whom are expected to mentor the newcomers and maintain the squad’s competitive edge.
With a blend of seasoned performers and promising fresh faces, the Warhawks hope to improve on last year’s record and contend for a stronger finish in the Sun Belt Conference. The early schedule, which also features a matchup against LSU in Baton Rouge, will provide a rigorous test of the team’s progress.