A New Chapter for SMU Women's Soccer
SMU’s women’s soccer team will open its 2026 home schedule on August 16 at 7 p.m. Central Time, welcoming North Texas to Washburne Stadium in Dallas. The match marks the first home appearance for the Mustangs since 2022 and sets the tone for a seven‑game stretch that could define the season.
The program holds a historic edge over the Mean Green, boasting a 16‑4‑3 series record and a 10‑2‑1 mark in home meetings. That legacy fuels optimism as the team looks to build on a 2025 campaign that ended with an 8‑8‑2 ledger and six shutouts.
After a heartbreaking road loss to No. 5 Vanderbilt, the Mustangs are eager to translate early‑season lessons into a victory. Head coach Nicole Nelson, now in her fifth year, emphasizes that the win is more than a statistic; it is a statement of intent for a squad that finished last season ranked 12th in the ACC.
The 2026 roster blends experience with fresh talent. Ten returning players, including midfielder Brooke Bunton and defender Libby Jannereth — who earned ACC Breakout Candidate honors — are joined by 17 newcomers, comprising ten freshmen and seven transfers. New assistant coaches Chasson Griggs and Nick Petruicelli add depth to the coaching staff.
Nelson, who carries a 10‑14‑5 road record, will lean on that blend of youth and veteran savvy as the team faces a demanding slate that includes six opponents ranked in the United Soccer Coaches Preseason Poll, such as Stanford, Duke, Vanderbilt, North Carolina, Virginia and Texas Tech.
Fans can catch the action on ACCNX, with live stats available online, while the university offers free admission to encourage community support. The atmosphere at Washburne Stadium is expected to be electric, especially given the program’s strong home record in recent years.
SMU’s preseason expectations placed them 14th in the ACC poll, a position that reflects both the competitive landscape and the ambition within the locker room. The Mustangs hope to exceed that projection and climb the conference ranks as the season unfolds.