The Kansas University women's soccer team opens its fall campaign with a preseason exhibition against Iowa on Saturday at 1 p.m. at Rock Chalk Park in Lawrence.
A reshaped schedule that adds extra preparation time before the first competitive match is designed to give head coach Nate Lie more room to blend new talent such as senior left wing back Caroline Castans and junior attacking midfielder Jillian Gregorski into the lineup.
Lie, who led the program to a 2024 Big 12 tournament championship and a 2025 Sweet 16 appearance, notes that while the additional weeks have been beneficial, maintaining focus and intensity remains a challenge.
The Jayhawks entered the preseason Big 12 poll at third place, the highest ranking in school history, a testament to the momentum built over the past two seasons.
Castans brings a program‑record 15 assists from 2025, while Gregorski contributed 10 goals and three assists last year, giving the attack a dynamic edge as new starters arrive at striker.
A Fresh Look for the Jayhawks
KU will play only eight regular‑season home games this year, choosing to schedule nonconference opponents that include a new home‑and‑home series with Saint Louis, though the team still prefers the familiar atmosphere of Rock Chalk Park.
The season opener is slated for Wednesday against Utah State, followed by the exhibition, before the squad moves into Big 12 competition and regional RPI considerations.
Iowa arrives with a 2025 record of 12‑5‑4 in Big Ten play and a second‑round NCAA Tournament loss to LSU, providing a competitive test for the Jayhawks.