The University of Chicago women's soccer squad, currently third in the national rankings, will begin its 2026 season on Tuesday at 4 p.m. Central time when it hosts Kalamazoo.
The Maroons arrive after a 2025 campaign that produced a 16‑2‑4 record, a sixth appearance in the national semifinals and a 13‑match unbeaten run to start the year.
Legacy and leadership
Head coach Amy Howley Reifert, now in her 36th year, brings 448 career victories that place her sixth all‑time among Division III coaches, while midfielder Jamie Nguyen earned All‑American honors for the second straight season.
Forward Kate Bruntlett, who opened last season with a brace, returns alongside senior forward Indira Naylor, who sits 11th in program history with 24 career goals.
Freshman Annabel Edwards contributed three goals, including the decisive strike in the 1‑1 Final Four draw with WashU, signaling depth in the attacking lineup.
The team’s recent form includes a 17‑win streak in season openers, the only blemishes coming in 2022 and 2010, underscoring a consistent start‑of‑year potency.
Opponent outlook
Kalamazoo, finishing 10‑6‑4 in 2025 and falling to Calvin in the MIAA semifinals, will rely on top scorer Ruby Hogan, who captured the conference’s 13‑goal, 30‑point tally, and defender Savannah Norman.
The Hornets opened their previous campaign unbeaten for seven games, highlighted by a 4‑0 victory over Beloit, suggesting momentum that could challenge the Maroons.
Historically, the series stands tied at 14‑5 in favor of Chicago, which has won 14 straight meetings, the most recent a 3‑0 shutout in 2025.
With both squads poised for high‑stakes contests, the upcoming matches promise a blend of experience and youthful vigor as the Maroons aim to extend their dominance while the Hornets seek to close the gap.