The University of Northern Iowa women's soccer program will resume preseason activities on Saturday, August 8, 2026, when the Panthers host an exhibition match against Hawkeye Community College at the UNI Soccer Field in Cedar Falls, Iowa. The game is open to the public at no charge, and parking will be directed to designated lots surrounding the venue.
Preseason Opener: A Public Spectacle
Coach Alex Place Thomas, who served as interim head coach throughout 2025, will lead the squad for his second full season, bringing continuity and a fresh tactical outlook. The exhibition will spotlight a blend of experienced returnees and a wave of new talent, including forward Abi Roberts, who arrives from North Dakota State where she earned 2025 Gatorade Iowa Player of the Year honors.
Among the newcomers, Maya Anderson, a former Wartburg defender with 54 career appearances, and Poppy Anderson, a recent goalkeeper from Yavapai College with 13 matches under her belt, are expected to add depth between the lines. Midfielder Alli Saviano also found the net in the recent preseason scrimmage, signaling early chemistry within the attacking unit.
Hawkeye Community College will enter the match with its own set of promising players, notably Grace Lea, who finished as the team’s third‑leading scorer last season, and a roster that includes veterans such as Johanna Norrenbrock, Camille Landphair, Ella Ubben, Kylie Knief, Torie Delgado and Allison Flies.
The exhibition serves as a final dress rehearsal before the Panthers open their regular season on August 12 against South Dakota, while Hawkeye’s own campaign kicks off on August 20 with a contest against Jefferson College in Missouri. Both programs view the preseason outing as an opportunity to fine‑tune strategies and build momentum heading into a competitive schedule.