HOUSTON – A new chapter begins for UST Women's Soccer program as first-year Head Coach Nathan Day officially unveiled the Celts' 2026 schedule. The upcoming season features 18 regular-season matches, including eight home contests, as Day looks to build upon the program's recent success while leading UST into a new era.
The Celts will once again host their home matches in Houston at SaberCats stadium, providing fans with opportunities to support the program throughout the fall. With a strong returning core, an exciting group of newcomers, and a competitive schedule, St. Thomas is eager to take the next step under Day's leadership.
Season Overview
The 2026 schedule opens with a pair of home matches as the Celts welcome Wiley University on August 27 before hosting North American University on September 1. UST then heads to the Pacific Northwest for a road trip against Lewis & Clark College and Linfield University before returning home to host Schreiner University on September 10.
The non-conference slate continues with road contests at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and East Texas Baptist University, while Texas A&M-Victoria visits Houston on September 17. The Celts wrap up non-conference play by hosting Southwestern University on September 25 before traveling to nationally respected Trinity University two days later.
SCAC competition begins on the road October 2 at Centenary College before another conference road test at the University of Dallas on October 11.
The Celts return home for a pivotal weekend against Texas Lutheran University on October 16 and Concordia University Texas on October 18. After back-to-back conference road matches at LeTourneau University and Austin College, UST closes the regular season with home contests against the University of the Ozarks on October 30 and Hendrix College on November 1.
The top teams in the conference will then compete at the SCAC Women's Soccer Championship, scheduled for November 5-8.
New Era for the Celts
After producing a successful seasons in 2025, the Celts enter 2026 with high expectations and renewed energy under new leadership. With a veteran core returning, a talented incoming recruiting class, and a culture built on continuous growth, St. Thomas is poised to continue its climb as one of the top programs in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference. Day, who was named the program's head coach earlier this year, is eager to build upon the strong foundation that has already been established while leading the Celts into the next chapter of program history.
"We're incredibly excited to begin this new chapter for University of St. Thomas Women's Soccer," said Day. "Coming off a record-setting season, this team has proven what's possible, and I believe our best soccer is still ahead of us. It's an honor to lead this program, and I can't wait to get to work with this outstanding group of student-athletes. Our team is committed to competing every day, continuing to raise the standard, and building on the success that's already been established. We're looking forward to the challenges ahead and are excited to see what we can accomplish together. We can't wait to welcome our fans to SaberCats Stadium this fall and make this a season to remember.
Returning Faces & Leadership
The Celts return one of the conference's top veteran groups, led by senior defender Ashlee Stoltje, a 2025 All-SCAC Second Team selection who brings valuable leadership and experience into her final collegiate season.
St. Thomas also welcomes back six players who earned 2025 All-SCAC Honorable Mention recognition. Now entering the next stage of their collegiate careers, sophomore defenders Asanah Gordon and Jaida Rodea, sophomore forwards Sydney Ferguson and Amy Romero, senior midfielder Karleigh Villanueva, and senior goalkeeper Kylie Soich each played significant roles during last season and will once again provide leadership on and off the field.
The future of the program remains bright as well. Gordon, Ferguson, and Alicia Chi—all now sophomores—were named to the 2025 SCAC All-Freshman Team after making immediate impacts during their rookie campaigns. Their continued development, combined with a talented incoming class, gives the Celts an exciting blend of experience and youth heading into 2026.
Join the Excitement
With a new head coach, experienced returning talent, and an exciting schedule ahead, the 2026 season marks the beginning of a new era for St. Thomas Women's Soccer. Fans are encouraged to come out and support the Celts throughout the season as they compete and continue building the future of the program. Click here to view the schedule! Follow the Celts at www.ustcelts.com or on Instagram @ustwsoccer for updates, highlights, tournament coverage and more!
