Athens, Ohio, August 14, 2025
News Summary
WKU Women’s Soccer is set to kick off its season with a match against Ohio Bobcats. With a mix of newcomers and seasoned players, the Hilltoppers aim to improve their performance in Conference USA. This season brings hope for a competitive edge as they prepare for upcoming matches, including their first home game against Jackson State. The Hilltoppers will look to their returning players and new talent for success.
Athens, Ohio – WKU Women’s Soccer will kick off its 2025-26 season on Thursday, August 14, when the team faces the Ohio Bobcats in Athens at 4 p.m. CT. This match marks the beginning of a new season for the Hilltoppers, who are eager to improve upon their previous year’s performance and establish a competitive presence in Conference USA.
The Hilltoppers enter the season with a roster that includes 11 newcomers alongside 15 returning players. The team has been placed ninth in the Conference USA (CUSA) preseason polls, positioning them among the bottom four teams in the conference. Head Coach Jason Neidell has acknowledged the challenges that come with competing in such a tough league, particularly the difficulty of securing road victories.
In addition to the match against Ohio, the Hilltoppers will also take on Rio Grande in Ohio before they return home for their season opener against Jackson State on August 21. Conference play for WKU will commence on September 21, starting with a matchup against Kennesaw State at the WKU Soccer Complex.
The incoming class of new players has been noted for its quick integration into the team dynamics. The roster features eight freshmen and three transfers, reflecting a significant overhaul aimed at boosting the team’s competitive edge. Among the transfers are redshirt junior Mia Riddick from Arkansas, who didn’t play in 2024, and graduate student forward Danielle Lewin from the University of Georgia, recognized on the SEC All-Freshman Team in 2021. Additionally, sophomore Torrie Grant-Clavijo transferred from St. Bonaventure, contributing to the team’s depth after participating in all 16 games the previous season.
Returning players play a critical role in WKU’s strategy. Redshirt senior goalkeeper Maddie Davis, who earned the title of 2024 CUSA Goalkeeper of the Year, will be instrumental in leading the squad. Additionally, sophomore defender Abby Wiedermann, who clinched a spot on the CUSA All-Freshman Team last season, is expected to fortify the defense.
Looking back at the previous season, the Hilltoppers concluded with a record of 3-8-5 overall, finishing 1-3-5 in Conference USA, which led to their exclusion from the conference tournament. The team began the 2025 preseason with three exhibition matches, resulting in a loss to Murray State, a victory over Belmont, and another loss to Lipscomb. As part of the preparations, Coach Neidell aimed to evaluate new talent by starting five or six freshmen during the game against Murray State.
Fans interested in following the team’s progress can watch the game against Ohio on ESPN+, as the Hilltoppers embark on what they hope will be a more successful season.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Season Kickoff | August 14, 2025 |
| Opponent | Ohio Bobcats |
| Team Ranking | 9th in Conference USA Preseason Polls |
| Roster Overview | 11 Newcomers, 15 Returning Players |
| Goalkeeper | Maddie Davis, 2024 CUSA Goalkeeper of the Year |
| First Home Game | Against Jackson State on August 21 |
| Conference Play Start | September 21 against Kennesaw State |
FAQ
When does the WKU Women’s Soccer season start?
The season starts on August 14, 2025, with a match against the Ohio Bobcats.
What is the team’s ranking in the Conference USA preseason polls?
The Hilltoppers are ranked ninth in the CUSA preseason polls.
Who are some notable players on the team for the upcoming season?
Notable players include Maddie Davis, who was the 2024 CUSA Goalkeeper of the Year, and graduate student forward Danielle Lewin, who comes from the University of Georgia.
When do they play their first home game?
The first home game is set for August 21 against Jackson State.
When does conference play begin?
Conference play begins on September 21 against Kennesaw State.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
WKU Honors Bryson Davis with Spirit of WKU Award
Western Kentucky Soccer Drops Exhibition Match to Lipscomb
Weekend Overview of Kentucky Events and Updates
WKU Women’s Soccer Prepares for Final Exhibition Match Against Lipscomb
WKU Soccer’s Maddie Davis Makes Players to Watch List
WKU Women’s Soccer Team Competes in Exhibition Matches
Murray State Racers Women’s Soccer Team Secures Victory
WKU Women’s Soccer Team Prepares for New Season
Maddie Davis Shines in National Soccer Recognition
WKU Baseball Stars Enter NCAA Transfer Portal
Additional Resources
- Ohio Bobcats – Women’s Soccer Opens 2025 Season
- WKU Sports – WKU Falls to Ohio in Season Opener
- WKU Sports – WKU Officially Opens 2025 Season Thursday at Ohio
- BG Daily News – WKU Soccer Prepares for Season Opener
- WKU Herald – WKU Soccer Prepares for Season Opener Against Ohio
- Wikipedia: 2025 College Women’s Soccer Season
- Google Search: WKU Women’s Soccer 2025
- Google Scholar: WKU Women’s Soccer
- Encyclopedia Britannica: WKU Women’s Soccer
- Google News: WKU Women’s Soccer
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