A New Era on the Horizon
The excitement surrounding Abilene Christian University’s women’s basketball program reaches a new peak as the team releases a 15‑game non‑conference schedule that promises a mixture of home‑court thrills and demanding road tests. The slate is designed not only to showcase the program’s depth but also to prepare the Wildcats for the rigors of their upcoming United Athletic Conference campaign.
The season kicks off on November 2 with a home opener against Howard Payne, marking the first of seven home matchups before the team embarks on a series of road excursions. A highly anticipated return visit to Northwestern is slated for November 18, giving fans a chance to see the Wildcats face a familiar foe in a neutral‑site setting.
December brings a stretch of five consecutive home games, featuring contests against McMurry, Southwest, and Nelson, before the team travels to take on Stetson and Florida Gulf Coast as part of the Unisun Sports alliance. The schedule also includes a stop at the North Florida Thanksgiving Classic, where the Wildcats will meet North Carolina A&T and South Dakota in back‑to‑back games.
Road Tests and Early Conference Preview
The non‑conference slate includes road trips to Houston Christian, UT Rio Grande Valley and TCU in November, providing the Wildcats with varied environments and competitive matchups. These journeys are intended to test the team’s resilience and deepen the chemistry among a roster that returns seven seniors.
The final stretch of non‑conference play culminates with games against North Florida on December 31 and Jacksonville on January 2, 2027, before the team transitions to its first United Athletic Conference schedule on January 6, 2027. That conference debut will feature an even split of eight home and eight away contests, setting the tone for the new league era.
Leadership and Returning Talent
Head coach Julie Goodenough, now in her fifteenth season, continues to steer the program with a blend of tradition and innovation. Under her guidance, the Wildcats captured a Western Athletic Conference title game appearance and posted a 24‑11 record in the 2025‑26 campaign, highlighted by a second WNIT Super 16 finish.
The returning core features seven seniors, among them Payton Hull, the reigning WAC Player of the Year. Hull’s presence, combined with the experience of the senior class, offers a solid foundation as the team navigates a demanding schedule and prepares for the challenges of a new conference.