The United Athletic Conference unveiled its inaugural Preseason All‑UAC Team this week, spotlighting standout performers from across the league as squads gear up for the upcoming 2026 campaign.
Preseason Honors
Among the honorees, senior midfielder Sakiko Manabe of the Central Arkansas Bears earned the distinction of being the sole Bear representative, a testament to her impact on both ends of the field.
Manabe concluded her collegiate career with two goals and four assists, ranking third on the team in assists and contributing to an offense that saw eleven different players find the net and seven score multiple times.
Coach’s Praise
Head Coach Derek Nichols lauded Manabe’s technical proficiency and tactical intelligence, describing her as one of the most technically gifted midfielders in the conference and anticipating a pivotal role for her this fall.
Team Positioning
The Bears entered the Preseason Coaches’ Poll tied for fourth place, sharing the slot with Abilene Christian, underscoring the competitive outlook for the program.
Season Opener
Kicking off the schedule, Arkansas will host Oral Roberts on Wednesday evening at the Bill Stephens Track and Soccer Complex, with kickoff set for 7 p.m., marking the first test of the new‑look roster.
Looking Forward
With the preseason accolades and a clear schedule ahead, the Bears aim to translate early momentum into a strong showing, leveraging Manabe’s experience and the depth of talent cultivated over the past season.