A New Chapter for Ole Miss Soccer
The Ole Miss women's soccer squad is set to embark on its first away fixture of the 2026 campaign, traveling to Lafayette, Louisiana, where it will meet the Ragin' Cajuns on Sunday at 1 p.m. The encounter marks the eighth overall meeting between the two programs and serves as an early barometer for a team that is still defining its identity under a new coaching regime.
A 1‑0 victory over Murray State to open the season gave the Rebels a taste of winning, with senior forward Katie Ramsden finding the net for the first time this year. The match also introduced a wave of new talent, including transfer goalkeeper Taylor Prigge, who logged her first shutout of the season, and freshman midfielder Isabella Pontieri, who earned a spot on the United Soccer Coaches Midfielders Watch List. Alongside them, freshmen and transfers have already begun to weave into the fabric of the squad.
Road Test in Lafayette
First‑year head coach Todd Shulenberger, who arrived after a decade‑long stint at Washington State where he became the program’s all‑time wins leader, brings a disciplined, attack‑oriented philosophy. His experience at the collegiate level is expected to shape the team's tempo and defensive organization as the Rebels look to build on the early win.
Louisiana, coming off a 7‑6‑5 record in 2025, will rely heavily on its own offensive weapons. Forward Carson Glenn and midfielder Miku Kurihara each contributed seven goals last season, with Glenn also dishing out three assists that placed him at the top of the team's point chart. The Cajuns' balanced attack will test an Ole Miss defense that recorded three consecutive clean sheets late in the previous campaign.
The Rebels' roster reflects a blend of experience and youthful energy. Returning scorers such as Ramsden, who led the team in goals, points and shots on goal in 2025, and Sarah Granno, who added five points, will be joined by a host of newcomers from 16 different states. This geographic diversity, combined with the infusion of talent from the transfer portal, promises a dynamic style of play as the team seeks to translate early momentum into sustained success.