STORM LAKE, Iowa (Aug. 30, 2026) - As it celebrates 30 years of soccer on campus, the program continues to build toward a first-ever berth into the conference tournament. In its first three seasons under current head coach Mauricio Lozada, the Beavers have put together one of the best three-year stretches over the last 15 years. The team has also won a conference match in back-to-back seasons for the first time since doing so in five straight from 2009-13.

Despite being a younger roster with 19 underclassmen in 2026, the Beavers return a great deal of experience. Five of the team’s nine overall point scorers from 2025 will be back on the pitch in navy and gold with four starting in at least 10 matches a year ago. Sophomore forward Peyton Henricksen highlights the list after registering one goal and one assist in her first collegiate season while starting 13 of the 14 matches she appeared in. Sophomores Addison Baucom, Abygale Luddington and Bridgget Gonzalez along with junior Megan Rowedder all added two points. Baucom was the team leader with a pair of assists.

It’s on the defensive side of the ball in which the Beavers have made the biggest strides over the last two seasons. They have allowed nearly 15 fewer goals in each of the last two seasons than in 2023. Junior goalkeeper Mia Jaroch  will play a big role in anchoring the unit. She’s coming off a sophomore campaign in which she started 18 matches and chalked up 164 saves which ranks fifth for a season in school history. A pair of newcomers – Elliana Fantasia and Denae Thayer will add some needed depth to the roster at that position.

“Maia had a breakout season last fall, and we can't wait to see her shine between the posts again this year,” adds Lozada. “Peyton will look to be a threat up top, bringing pace and finishing ability as Megan will anchor our defense this season and leads by example both on and off the field. Macey Soltis will lead our midfield and look to create scoring opportunities as her ability to connect the back line to the forwards will be central to our more dynamic approach this year.”

BVU begins the season with back-to-back matches inside of J. Leslie Rollins Stadium and has eight home matches scheduled for the year. The team has been strong at home in recent years, going a combined 7-11-2 over the last two seasons.

“We built our non-conference schedule intentionally, seeking out opponents that will test us and get us ready for the grind of conference play,” says Lozada. “The A-R-C is one of the strongest women's soccer conferences around.”