Season Opener in Austin
The Texas A&M Aggies are set to open their competitive schedule with an exhibition match against the Texas Longhorns in Austin on Saturday at 7 p.m. The game will be played at Mike A. Myers Stadium, providing a high‑profile early test for both programs as they fine‑tune their lineups before the regular season begins.
Bobby Shuttleworth, who returns for a second stint as head coach, will lead the Aggies into this new chapter. His experience and tactical vision are expected to shape a team that blends established talent with a wave of fresh additions, creating a dynamic environment for the upcoming season.
Returning starters such as Riley Crooks, who earned SEC All‑Freshman honors, will anchor the squad, while Leah Diaz has already demonstrated her impact by scoring two goals in a 3‑0 victory over UIW. Diaz’s contributions extended beyond the net, as she added three goals and four assists in the recent win, underscoring her role as a pivotal offensive force.
The Aggies welcome four transfers — Norah Bell from Arizona State, Bella Carapazza from Lipscomb, Ciara Jade Mitchell from San Diego State, and Adelaide Paredes from St. Bonaventure — to reinforce the roster. Alongside them, a top‑ranked recruiting class featuring six California freshmen — Makenna August, Ireland Churchill, Juliet Haras, Finley Lacher, Sami Ruiz, and Kieana Smith — adds depth and promise. Additional newcomers Blake Hughes, Brynja Ran Knudsen, Morgan Landry, and Ava Sexton further enrich the squad’s options.
Longhorns' New Direction
Under first‑year head coach Margueritte Bates, the Longhorns are looking to rebound from a challenging 4‑12‑1 record last season, which included a 2‑8 mark in SEC play. Bates brings a fresh perspective and is expected to instill a competitive edge as the team prepares for its own slate of matches.
The Aggies’ schedule will continue with a regular‑season opener against the Rice Owls on Aug. 12, followed by contests versus Baylor and Texas State before concluding the road stretch with a home debut against Sam Houston on Aug. 22. These upcoming fixtures will provide further insight into how the newly assembled roster performs under Shuttleworth’s guidance.