SEMO’s women’s soccer program is gearing up for the 2026 campaign with a sweeping transformation of its roster. Seventeen new players have been added, among them New Zealand native Jasmine Barney, while sophomore Rachel Kretzer returns to build on last season’s experience.
Senior goalkeeper Madison Geisler, who has been a steady presence between the posts, highlighted the growing chemistry among the team’s four seniors, a factor she believes will be crucial as the squad moves forward.
Coach John Klein has emphasized that the extended training window made possible by recent NCAA rule changes will allow the team to fine‑tune its cohesion. ‘Creative practices and chemistry drills are at the heart of our preparation,’ he said.
Strategic Preparations and Schedule
The coaching staff is targeting early‑season victories to steer clear of the double‑digit winless stretch that plagued the previous year. Players are being asked to maintain focus for the full 90 minutes, generate scoring chances and sustain high energy throughout matches.
Jasmine Barney has voiced the team’s philosophy: ‘We need constant intensity, we must attack every opportunity and find space on the field.’ Her perspective underscores a proactive approach to offensive play.
Unlike last season, when the roster was still being assembled after the first game, the entire lineup is now set before the opener. The season will begin on August 13 at Houck Field against Southern Illinois, the team’s archrivals, who edged SEMO 2‑0 in Carbondale a year ago.
Following the opener, SEMO will embark on a six‑game road swing before returning to Cape Girardeau on September 13 to face Belmont. Conference play kicks off later in September at Western Illinois, and the regular season will close on November 1 against SIUE.
A notable development is the addition of three to four core goalkeepers, giving the team depth that was lacking last year when injuries limited availability. Madison Geisler expressed excitement about training with this expanded group, noting it will ‘provide stability and competition.’