The Cal State Bakersfield athletics department is gearing up for an intense stretch of competition that will define the early weeks of the 2026 season. With soccer and volleyball squads embarking on cross‑country journeys, the campus community anticipates a blend of seasoned leadership and fresh faces ready to make an impact.
Women’s soccer hits the road
From August 27 through 30 the women's soccer team will play two away matches, first against the University of Idaho at Guy Wicks Field and then versus Eastern Washington. CSUB holds a 5‑1‑3 series advantage over Idaho and a 6‑2‑2 edge over Eastern Washington, but the latter will field former CSUB standout Allison Bennett, adding a personal storyline to the contest.
Interim head coach Martin Navarro Jr. will guide a roster that blends seven returning veterans with 23 newcomers. Among the returning players are CJ Walters, Daniela Osejo and Jaiden Gore, while transfer goalkeeper Allanah Blye brings collegiate experience between the posts. The squad’s offensive output last season averaged 1.4 goals per Big West match, tops in the league.
Key contributors such as Allanah Blye, Allison Bennett, CJ Walters, Daniela Osejo and Jaiden Gore are expected to anchor the attack and defense. Their performances will be closely watched as the team looks to extend its early‑season momentum and maintain its conference lead.
Men’s soccer aims for home dominance
The men's soccer program will host UNLV on August 29 before traveling to face San Diego State. Head coach Adam Grant, in his fourth year, fields a roster of 15 returning players and 13 newcomers, highlighted by Big West Preseason All‑Stars Zenden Hart and Filip Arras. The team opened the season with an unbeaten run that included a road draw against a ranked UCLA side, underscoring its competitive edge.
Zenden Hart and Filip Arras, both recognized on the preseason all‑star list, are expected to drive the midfield and attack. The upcoming home fixtures against UNLV and SDSU present opportunities to solidify the team’s standing early in the schedule.
Volleyball opens in Texas
The volleyball team will begin its campaign in Texas with matches against Lamar, North Texas and Abilene Christian on August 28‑29. First‑year head coach Kristen Wright retains seven veterans, including setter Luiza Da Cruz and liberos Analiese Gagliano and Boden Liljedahl, while welcoming 11 newcomers such as Jordyn Waite‑Ward and Ana Benjamin from Division I programs.
Coach Wright’s blend of experience and fresh talent aims to translate the squad’s early chemistry into conference success. The team also holds an 8‑game series lead over San Francisco, having won three of the most recent meetings.
Overall, CSUB’s athletic programs are positioned to capitalize on strong recruiting classes, experienced coaching staff and a schedule that tests depth across soccer and volleyball. Fans can expect a season filled with high‑stakes matchups and the potential for notable breakthroughs in the Big West Conference.