Washburn University’s women’s soccer team is set to begin the 2026 campaign with a pair of nationally ranked opponents, No. 19 Maryville and No. 9 Missouri‑St. Louis, in its first two home matches.
A Strong Returning Core
The Ichabods bring back 19 players from last season’s NCAA Division II Championship Semifinal, including senior defender Lindsey Maul, who earned All‑MIAA First Team honors and was selected to the USC Central Region First Team and D2CCA Central Region Second Team. Forward Leah Henke, a sophomore, led the team with 12 goals and 26 points in 2025, ranking fourth in program history for goals, while senior defender Rilyn Snyder returns after logging a team‑high 2,078 minutes and scoring her first career goal.
New Faces and Fresh Talent
Washburn also welcomes seven freshmen, four of whom are natives of Nebraska and three from Kansas, plus a transfer from Baker, Kansas. The incoming class adds depth and versatility as the roster looks to build on the previous season’s success.
Schedule and Poll Position
The team opens at home on Thursday, August 27, at 6 p.m. against No. 19 Maryville, and returns to action on Saturday, August 29, at 1 p.m. against No. 9 Missouri‑St. Louis. Following those games, Washburn was selected first in the MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll, earning seven first‑place votes, underscoring the optimism surrounding the program’s prospects for the upcoming season.