Road Trip Kickoff
Iowa’s women’s soccer squad embarks on its first road swing of the 2026 campaign, with a Thursday showdown against Wake Forest followed by a Sunday clash in Greensboro. The back‑to‑back road games mark the beginning of a schedule that tests the team’s depth early while giving the Hawkeyes a chance to establish momentum.
Roster Reinforcements
Returning seven starters and 17 letterwinners, Iowa adds 11 newcomers, eight of whom are transfers, to a roster that already boasts four 2025 All‑Big Ten honorees — Sofia Bush, Millie Greer, Liana Tarasco and Elle Wildman. The blend of experience and fresh talent fuels optimism that the Hawkeyes can sustain the offensive firepower that produced a program‑record seven goals in the opener and a 12‑goal burst in the first two matches.
Rankings and Expectations
National outlets have already taken notice, with Top Drawer Soccer ranking Iowa No. 19 and the United Soccer Coaches poll listing the team among those receiving votes. The preseason projections place Wake Forest at No. 11 and UNC Greensboro seventh in the Southern Conference, setting a competitive backdrop for the early contests.
New Leadership
Adding to the buzz, Dean Ward steps in as Iowa’s new head coach. Ward previously guided Xavier to a 31‑8‑4 record and an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2025, bringing a winning pedigree and a reputation for developing talent such as Kylie Maxwell, who earned ACC Freshman of the Year honors in 2025.
Scouting the Opponents
Wake Forest arrives with a 2‑0‑0 start, a 11‑0‑3 stretch that includes a second‑round NCAA Tournament run in 2025 under veteran head coach Tony da Luz, who is in his 29th season with the Demon Deacons. Across town, UNC Greensboro’s senior midfielder Rina Ogimoto earned a spot on the 2026 Preseason All‑SoCon Team, while the Spartans were tabbed seventh in the league’s preseason poll.
Historic Momentum
The Hawkeyes’ early‑season shutouts mark the first consecutive clean sheets since the 2023 campaign, and their 66‑3‑4 record when scoring two or more goals since October 2017 underscores a potent attack. Iowa’s recent history includes Big Ten Tournament titles in 2021 and 2023, 13 postseason victories and a streak of 65 shutouts over the past three seasons.
With a blend of seasoned leaders, high‑ranked recruits and a coaching staff eager to imprint its philosophy, Iowa aims to translate its strong start into a sustained push for another deep NCAA Tournament run. The road ahead will test the team’s resilience, but the early signs suggest the Hawkeyes are poised to make a significant impact in the coming weeks.