Washington State University’s soccer program is gearing up for a landmark season as it officially joins the Pac-12 Conference in 2026. The move marks the culmination of years of planning and sets the stage for new rivalries and heightened exposure.
A Strategic Shift in the Program
The team’s bench will be led by new head coach Chris Citowicki, who left his previous role to take the reins at WSU. Citowicki brought along three experienced assistants and a recruiting class that includes 21 fresh faces, while the program said goodbye to former head coach Todd Shulenberger, who accepted a position at Ole Miss, and saw 11 players transfer out of the roster.
Roster turnover is a defining theme for the Cougars this year. In addition to the departures, the squad welcomes a blend of junior college transfers and high‑school prospects, among them forward Libby Brooker and midfielder Kailey Carlen, who are expected to add depth in attacking positions.
The schedule opens with a home match against Oregon State on October 1. The Beavers struggled offensively last season, netting just 17 goals, with their top scorer finding the net only three times, a statistic that could give the Cougars a tactical edge early in the campaign.
Other conference foes present a mixed picture. Fresno State’s attack was more potent, scoring 31 goals, highlighted by forward Alexis Campbell’s prolific output. Utah State, the recent Mountain West champion, opened its season with a 1‑0 victory over WSU, while Gonzaga settled for a 1‑1 draw, thanks in part to Amelia Severn’s ten‑goal contribution. San Diego State edged the Cougars 2‑1 in their last 2023 encounter, and Colorado State’s Olivia Fout led her team with nine goals.
Boise State enters the mix with a strong overall record of 10‑3‑8 and a perfect 8‑0‑2 mark in Mountain West play, suggesting a tough test for the Cougars. The Pac‑12 tournament is slated for November 11‑14, offering the team a chance to compete for an automatic NCAA berth.