The Boxers finished fifth in the Northwest Conference last season, posting a 3‑5‑8 record but delivering draws against the conference co‑champions Puget Sound and Pacific Lutheran. That placement marked the program’s best finish in over a decade, setting the stage for a hopeful 2026 campaign.
A Proactive Identity
Head coach Kellan McNamara, now in his third year, says the team is entering the new season with a clear, proactive identity. He wants his side to press aggressively when out of possession and to attack with purpose when in control, aiming to turn defensive solidity into scoring chances.
Depth and Experience
The roster blends senior veterans with a wave of freshmen and transfers, creating depth that McNamara believes can sustain a high‑tempo style. Senior defender Ruby Waters, a second‑team all‑conference selection, returns to anchor the back line, while goalkeeper Jaelynn Moo, who split time last year, is poised to reclaim the net after posting four shutouts and 16 saves.
Defensive Foundations
Pacific posted six shutouts in conference play, underscoring a disciplined unit that will look to tighten up moments of vulnerability. Coach McNamara emphasizes consistency and the need to capitalize on key junctures that often decide conference standings.
Attacking Ambitions
Offensively, senior forward Rissalyn Hara leads the returning scorers with three goals and two assists from the previous campaign, stepping into the void left by the departed top two goal‑scorers. Her experience, combined with the influx of new attacking talent, should add variety to the front line.
Cultural Goals
The preseason messaging from the program stresses selflessness and grit, encouraging players to embrace challenges and sacrifice personal glory for collective success. If the Boxers can translate that culture into matchday execution, they may finally break out of the mid‑table and contend for a higher finish.
Looking Ahead
With a balanced squad, a defined tactical philosophy and a culture built on teamwork, the Boxers enter 2026 with realistic expectations of climbing beyond fifth place. The coming weeks will reveal whether the blend of experience and youth can convert early promise into tangible results on the field.