Ole Miss Soccer Opens 2026 Season Against Murray State

Ole Miss Soccer begins its 2026 season Wednesday night at home against Murray State. The match is scheduled for 7 p.m. in Oxford and marks the fourth all-time meeting between the two programs, with Ole Miss holding a 3-0 series lead, according to school officials.

First-year head coach Todd Shulenberger, who was appointed Dec. 1, 2025,, is leading the Rebels into a new era. The former Washington State coach brings extensive experience, including five NCAA Tournament appearances and a College Cup berth in 2019.

The Rebels feature a roster with 17 newcomers, including eight transfers from Shulenberger’s former program. Notable returners include forward Katie Ramsden, who led Ole Miss in goals and points last season, and goalkeeper Taylor Prigge, who posted a team-best .750 save percentage in 2025.

Murray State enters the season after finishing 10-4-5 overall last year, with a 5-1-3 record in the Missouri Valley Conference. The Racers closed 2025 unbeaten in their final seven matches and are led offensively by Mary Hardy, who scored six goals last season.

The game also marks the debut for Murray State’s new head coach, Ben Madsen, who was hired after 14 seasons at Auburn. Ole Miss will look to build on its 2025 record of 4-8-3, with eight returning players and a roster featuring student-athletes from 16 states and England.

Ole Miss also announced that Isabella Pontieri, a North Florida transfer, was named to the 2026 NCAA Division I Hermann Trophy watch list. The midfielder scored 14 goals and added 12 assists from 2023-25, earning first-team All-ASUN honors last season.

Fans can follow the team’s progress on social media and through the Ole Miss Sports mobile app, which offers exclusive rewards for attending matches and events.

Source: Original Article