Ames Today

Iowa State University’s women’s soccer team will begin its 2025-26 season on August 14, hosting Portland State at the Cyclone Soccer Complex. The match is scheduled to start at 6 p.m., marking the first event of the university’s new athletics calendar.

Head coach Matt Fannon, now entering his sixth year leading the program, aims for a top-eight finish in the Big 12 Conference and a spot in the Big 12 Soccer Championship. Last season, Iowa State set a school record with six draws but saw its win total fall to three. Fannon said his focus this year is on finding “the one percent difference that helps decide games.”

The team will feature 15 newcomers—five freshmen and ten transfers—alongside 11 returning players. Team captains Ella Zimmerman and Lauren Hernandez lead the core group. “People win by doing what’s right by the program,” Fannon said. “By putting the team first, by doing whatever it takes to get over the line, by taking care of all the details every time, by having that consistency, by most importantly holding each other to account.”

Fannon emphasized accountability as a priority for improving team culture. He noted that both Hernandez and Zimmerman have significant influence within the squad and expects incoming athletes such as Michigan State transfer Cassidy Corcione and Charlotte transfer Erin Hopewell to contribute immediately. “We actively went and found some athletes with a little bite,” Fannon said.

He also highlighted preseason progress: “This has been one of, if not the best, preseason I’ve had as a coach because of the energy and effort the girls have brought day in and day out.” According to Fannon, players have responded well to coaching and quickly corrected mistakes during training sessions. “It’s been a really impressive camp from everybody,” he added.

To fill roster gaps left by departing athletes, Iowa State recruited five Power 4 conference transfers aiming to strengthen physicality within Big 12 play. In goal, Washington State transfer Musuai Isaia competes with Kasey Cannistraro for starting duties. Ole Miss transfer Gili Johnson brings experience from 36 matches played for her former team. Transfers Taylor Spitzer, Allison Charleston, and Erin Hopewell are also expected to vie for starting roles.

Five freshmen join this year’s squad; wingers Sophie Forrester and Megan Walters have shown promise in early practices and started an exhibition against Omaha. “They’re molding in the right direction, and they have been on it in training,” Fannon said.

Returning contributors include seniors Sophia Thomas and Chloe Broughton—each with four points last season—as well as Ella Ciardullo and Isabella Agrusso who provide leadership across positions.

On staff changes, assistant coach Jeff Parker remains while Jaycie Ackerman (assistant coach) and Seth Junion (Soccer Development Coordinator/Goalkeepers Coach) joined over summer. Fannon praised both hires: “Boy, did we get it right with those two.” He cited Ackerman’s professional playing background as valuable for player development: “Jaycie…commands respect but can connect with them a bit more deeply as they strive to go pro.” Of Junion’s role he added: “They both have the personality to not necessarily be friends with the players but to connect in a way that helps better the team’s culture and accountability.”