Vanderbilt's Commodores will open their 2026‑27 campaign on August 12 against Southern Methodist University, a game that marks the first test of a roster that has undergone a major transformation since last season's NCAA Tournament run.
The team will be without several key contributors who exhausted their eligibility, including SEC Goalkeeper of the Year Sara Wojdelko, All‑SEC defender Hannah McLaughlin and midfielder Maci Teater. Their departures leave sizable gaps in goalkeeping, defense and midfield that the coaching staff must fill quickly.
Goalkeeper Uncertainty
With Wojdelko gone, the Commodores face an uncertain rotation between the posts. Graduate Alexa Gianoplus is expected to start, but she will have to step into a role that previously belonged to a proven SEC standout. Freshman Kellyane Dumas, who brings national‑team experience, will miss the opening match due to a U‑17 camp, adding another layer of uncertainty to the goalkeeping picture.
Layla Armas, a junior transfer from UCLA, arrives as the third option on the depth chart after limited playing time at her former program. Her presence offers depth, but the team will likely rely on a combination of Gianoplus and the freshman to navigate the early schedule.
Defensive Reshuffle and Returning Stars
On the back line, the Commodores retain Mary Beth McLaughlin and Margo Matula, both of whom earned All‑SEC honors in previous seasons. Sophomore Alexis Smith is the only true center back returning, while Grace Freeman and Adysen Armenta provide additional options. Freshmen Allison Kleiner and Nina Laba have caught attention during the Black‑Gold scrimmage, suggesting they could see meaningful minutes as the defense adapts to new personnel.
The midfield will welcome three transfers — Megan Hinnenkamp from Florida, Lydia Ungashick from SMU and forward/midfielder Megan Hinnenkamp — while the freshman class contributes eight players, including a goalkeeper, a forward, two defenders and four midfielders. This blend of experience and youth aims to preserve the 67% of minutes played back from last season while integrating new talent.
A minor but notable issue has been the jersey numbering confusion, which briefly affected player recognition during recent training sessions. Coaches hope that clearer uniform assignments will help teammates become more familiar with each other on the field as the season progresses.