The Arizona Wildcats soccer program officially opened its 2026 campaign on Wednesday, marking the start of a practice schedule that has been lengthened by the NCAA to give the squad more time to fine‑tune before its first match.
Extended Practice Window Fuels Development
The roster blends nine newcomers — freshmen and transfers — with a core of seasoned players such as Trinity Dorsey, Zoe Mendiola, Marissa Arnst and Aranda Hurge, who anchor a defense that finished last season among the nation’s best.
Head coach Becca Moros, who took over the program in 2023, stresses that the team’s identity will be built around teamwork, healthy competition and the simple joy of playing together, a philosophy she believes will translate into stronger midfield control and more potent offensive patterns.
Adding to the coaching mix are Nils Roth, the new goalkeeper coach, whose résumé includes a NJCAA Division I national title in 2018, and Steve Voltz, whose focus lies in forging personal connections with each player as they adjust to college life.
The Wildcats will miss five athletes who transferred out after the 2025 season, but the influx of fresh talent and the guidance of Roth and Voltz are expected to offset those losses, allowing the squad to reshape its strategies and aim for a deeper run in the upcoming tournament.
Athletic Director Grace Smith highlighted the role of the university’s broader support network, noting collaborations with Pima College and Louisiana Tech that enrich the program’s resources and outreach.