KIRKLAND, Wash. – Northwest University women's soccer has announced its 2026 schedule as the Eagles prepare for another season of Cascade Collegiate Conference competition under Head Coach April VanAssche. The schedule features a competitive mix of preseason exhibitions, regional non-conference opponents, and an 11-match conference slate as Northwest looks to build on last season's success and contend for a spot in the NAIA National Championship.
The Eagles will begin preparations with three preseason scrimmages, hosting Tacoma Community College on Aug. 11 before welcoming alumni back to Kirkland for the annual alumni scrimmage on Aug. 15. Northwest will then travel to Ellensburg to take on NCAA Division II Central Washington University on Aug. 18.
Northwest officially opens the regular season at home on Aug. 22 against Park University Gilbert (Ariz.), followed by another home contest against the University of Puget Sound on Aug. 26. The Eagles will then travel to Pacific Lutheran University on Aug. 28 before wrapping up their non-conference schedule with a scrimmage at Everett Community College on Sept. 2 and a matchup at Seattle Pacific University on Sept. 5.
Conference play begins at home as Northwest welcomes Southern Oregon University on Sept. 18 and Oregon Tech on Sept. 19. The Eagles will then travel to Montana for matches against Carroll College on Sept. 24 and Rocky Mountain College on Sept. 26.
October opens with another home conference matchup against the University of Providence on Oct. 3 before Northwest hosts Bushnell University and Corban University on Oct. 9 and 10. The Eagles close out the regular season with five road contests, traveling to Walla Walla University (Oct. 16), Warner Pacific University (Oct. 18), The Evergreen State College (Oct. 24), College of Idaho (Oct. 30), and Eastern Oregon University (Oct. 31).
With a talented returning roster and an exciting incoming class, VanAssche believes the Eagles are ready to take the next step.
"This season is about raising our standard from the very first day. Our goal is clear—we're determined to earn our way back to nationals. We return an outstanding core of leaders in Talia Hurst, Laura Rice, and our center back pairing of Alivia Berry and Ella Baker, along with a talented group of experienced returners who understand what it takes to compete. We're equally excited about our incoming class, whose talent, character, and competitive spirit will elevate every area of our program.
"More than anything, we've challenged this team to embrace a level of competitive grit unlike anything we've had before. Our greatest strength will be the family we've built. When you genuinely trust the people beside you, you play with confidence, courage, and purpose. That trust extends far beyond the field, and we believe it will be the foundation that allows us to pursue the big goals we've set for this season.
"We're excited for the journey ahead. It's time to build the standard, compete relentlessly, and chase something special together."
