The Kansas Jayhawks kicked off their fall soccer campaign with a preseason exhibition against Iowa on Saturday, August 15, 2025, a match that marks the first official competition of the academic year for the program.
A historic preseason ranking
The team entered the season ranked third in the Big 12 preseason poll, a placement that reflects the impact of standout seniors Caroline Castans and junior Jillian Gregorski, who combined for a program‑record 15 assists and double‑digit scoring last year.
Head coach Nate Lie, now in his third year, voiced a mixture of optimism and caution, noting that the extended preparation window offers valuable integration time for newcomers but also tests the squad’s focus as the calendar stretches.
Sophie Dawe, the incumbent goalkeeper, echoed the sentiment, saying the extra weeks have allowed the defense to gel and the midfield to experiment with new tactical shapes.
New faces and familiar anchors
This season the attack will feature two fresh strikers — Jocelyn Herrema, Jordan Rowan, Faith Johnston, Norah Jacomen and Hannah Palmer — while senior left wing back Caroline Castans will be paired with Livvy Moore on the right wing. Midfield stalwart Kate Langfelder returns for a third year, providing continuity alongside defenders Jordan Fjelstad and Emily Tobin, though a few backline spots remain unsettled by injury concerns.
Kansas will host eight regular‑season home matches, highlighted by a new home‑and‑home series with Saint Louis that will serve as a proving ground before conference play begins.
A familiar foe from the Big Ten
Iowa, the exhibition opponent, arrives with a strong preseason pedigree, having finished 12‑5‑4 a year ago and reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament before falling to LSU. Key contributors for the Hawkeyes include midfielders Sofia Bush and Elle Wildman and defender Millie Greer.