Annika Smith, a senior forward for Cal Poly’s women’s soccer team, has been highlighted as a key player to watch for the upcoming 2026 NCAA Division I season by the International Women’s Soccer Official Council (IWSOC) and United Soccer Coaches.
Preseason Accolades and Past Achievements
Her performance in the 2025 campaign earned her a spot on the All‑Big West Preseason Team and a place on the United Soccer Coaches All‑West Region Third Team. The recognition follows her junior year, where she recorded seven goals and four assists, finishing fourth in conference points with 18 and becoming the first Mustang in twelve years to capture the Big West Offensive Player of the Year award.
Smith’s impact was evident in her 22 starts, logging 1,557 minutes and contributing three game‑winning goals, including a decisive assist in the Big West Championship. Over her career she has appeared in 61 matches, starting 59, and amassed 16 goals, seven assists and 94 shots in 3,830 minutes of play, underscoring her consistency and leadership.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Opener
The Mustangs open the 2026 season with a home match against UNLV on Wednesday, kicking off a four‑game homestand that will test Smith’s readiness to translate preseason buzz into on‑field dominance. With her blend of scoring prowess, playmaking ability and a proven track record of clutch performances, Smith is poised to be a central figure as Cal Poly seeks to build on last year’s success.