McPherson, Kan. - The McPherson College Women's Soccer team enters the 2026 season looking for growth under second-year head coach Ian Thomson.

Thomson opened his career at McPherson by leading a young Bulldogs squad to a 6-9-3 overall record and 4-8-1 KCAC record last season.

The team graduated just one player in defender Courtney Ward, who started every game on defense last year. The Bulldogs return a strong freshman class from 2025, including midfielder Alyssa Hill who led the team with seven goals last season, and midfielder Ayden Jones who was second on the team with four goals. A solid group of sophomores also return, led by Gracie Speltz who recorded a team-high five assists along with two goals for nine points last season.

In addition to McPherson's young talent, the Bulldogs also return upperclassmen Courtney Wickham and Allyson Harrison at forward and Andrea Salas in the midfield. All three started every match for the Bulldogs last season.

"The key for us this season is how fast the team comes together," says Thomson. "We have the talent, but we have 19 new players and need to find out how they mix with the group. If we focus on coming together as a team, once they click, we have the potential to be very successful."

The Bulldogs kick off their 2026 campaign on Friday, August 21 at Spurgeon College at 2:00 p.m. at the Central Bank Sporting Complex.

McPherson's home opener will be Wednesday, August 26 at 6:00 p.m. against Hesston College. The Bulldogs will open KCAC play at Tabor College on Wednesday, September 16 at 5:00 p.m.

All Bulldog home games are free to the public and will be available to stream on urbanedgenetwork.net.

Also, be sure to look out for the KCAC virtual media day interview with head coach Ian Thomson on all social media platforms.