The University of South Florida women's soccer team is set to begin its 2026 campaign with a home match against Gonzaga on August 12 at 10 p.m. Eastern Time, a kickoff that promises to test the squad’s readiness after a promising 2025 season.
Head coach Chris Brown, now in his third year at the helm, has emphasized continuity and growth, pointing to a blend of experience and fresh talent as the team looks to sustain its upward trajectory.
The 2026 roster features ten returning players and eighteen newcomers, a mix that includes five athletes who started ten or more games last season: Brooke Fabri, Yui Suetsugu, Ava Rightmire, Elyse Thornton and Regan Kelly. Their combined minutes and contributions from the previous campaign provide a solid foundation for the upcoming schedule.
Preseason Watch List and Conference Outlook
Sophia Cabral, Brooke Fabri and Yui Suetsugu earned spots on the 2026 American Conference Preseason Watch List, underscoring their anticipated impact. The Bulls were slotted fourth in the preseason coaches' poll for the conference, a ranking that reflects both respect for their recent performances and the competitive nature of the league.
Yui Suetsugu’s accolades continued from the prior year, having been named to the 2025 American Conference Second Team and contributing four points in 2025 appearances. Brooke Fabri logged 1,283 minutes across fifteen matches in 2025, placing four of her seven shots on goal, while Ava Rightmire, Elyse Thornton and Regan Kelly also saw significant playing time.
The team’s previous encounter with Gonzaga on September 24, 2023, ended in a 2‑1 victory for South Florida, a result that adds a narrative of redemption as the squads meet again in the season opener. Following the Gonzaga match, the Bulls will travel to face Washington State on August 15, continuing a early‑season road swing.