Pitt Women's Soccer Preps for 2026 Opener
The Panthers will host Youngstown State on August 12 at Ambrose Urbanic Field, with kickoff scheduled for 7:05 p.m. The match marks the first meeting between the two programs since 2007 and serves as the centerpiece of Pitt's season opener.
Under head coach Ben Waldrum, now in his second year, the team looks to stretch its home opener winning streak to ten games. Waldrum also oversees technical direction alongside his brother Randy Waldrum, who brings additional expertise to the program.
A Roster Packed with Experience and New Faces
Fourteen letter winners return, including eight who started at least 14 matches a year ago. Among them are defenders Olivia Lee, Sage Stelzer, Mya Archibald and Sophie Rourke, as well as midfielder Katie Ellermeyer, who netted six goals in 2025 and played every minute of 13 games.
The back line also welcomes senior defender Katie Zailski, who missed the entire 2025 season due to injury but has logged over 5,100 minutes in her Pitt career. In goal, the team will rely on returning starter Elli Johnson, who led Real Colorado to a youth national championship, while freshmen goalkeeper Elli Johnson is expected to contribute depth.
Three transfers — Claire Jones from SMU and Oregon State, Addison Roemer, and Sofia Iori — add further depth and versatility. Their arrivals come as the Panthers also bring in ten freshmen, bolstering a squad that finished the 2025 season by upsetting No. 1 Notre Dame, 1‑0, with Archibald’s 86th‑minute winner.
Pitt’s home opener record stands at 19‑7‑4 overall, and a 6‑0‑1 mark during Waldrum’s tenure. The program has won nine consecutive home openers since a 1‑0 victory over Hofstra in 2017, underscoring the consistency the coaching staff has cultivated.