Austin Peay State University's women's soccer program is gearing up for a demanding 2026 campaign, with head coach Kim McGowan unveiling a 19‑match schedule that blends non‑conference road trips with a full slate of United Athletic Conference contests.
New conference, new ambitions
The Governors will play nine of those fixtures at Morgan Bros. Field, a venue that has become a focal point of the team's preparations as they look to translate home‑field advantage into early momentum.
The season opens with an exhibition on the road against Southern Illinois on August 7, setting the stage for a quick turnaround when the regular season begins with back‑to‑back matches against Northern Kentucky on August 12 and Tennessee Tech on August 16.
Homecoming arrives on August 30 with a showdown versus Indiana State, followed by contests against UT Martin on September 10 and Eastern Kentucky on November 1, giving the team a chance to showcase progress in front of its own fans.
Mid‑season travel takes the squad to Mississippi for a September 18 clash with Jackson State, then to Kentucky for a September 24 road test at Eastern Kentucky before the first home UAC match against North Alabama on September 27.
October brings a string of road challenges, including trips to Carrollton, Georgia, to face West Georgia on October 4, and to Texas for matches against Tarleton State on October 8 and Abilene Christian on October 11. The schedule also features a visit to Central Arkansas on October 15 and a showdown at Little Rock on October 18.
The Governors will finish the regular season with a rematch against West Georgia on October 25, a home game versus Eastern Kentucky on November 1, and a final road test at North Alabama on October 29, before the UAC Women's Soccer Championship runs from November 8‑14.