The South Dakota women's soccer team kicks off the 2026 season with road games against Northern Iowa and Nebraska, aiming to build on their historic 2025 campaign. Last season, the Coyotes marked their best finish with a 7-6-6 record, making it the 10th-best in program history. While the team graduated 11 seniors, key players like Klarissa Vega return after a standout debut season. The Coyotes have a challenging start, facing a Northern Iowa team that has seen head-to-head matchups end in draws for the past two seasons.

By the Numbers
  • South Dakota finished the 2025 season with a 7-6-6 record, ranking as the 10th-best in program history.
  • Klarissa Vega scored 8 goals and provided 3 assists last season, earning Second Team All-Summit League honors.
State of Play
  • The Coyotes open against Northern Iowa, holding a 5-9-4 record against them since 2007.
  • Nebraska, the Coyotes' next opponent, was picked 12th in the Big Ten preseason poll and finished 2025 with an 8-5-5 record.
What's Next

Following the Northern Iowa matchup, the Coyotes face Nebraska, where they will seek to capitalize on experience and talent against a team with notable preseason recognition.

Bottom Line

The Coyotes' ability to adapt post-graduation of key seniors will be crucial for success as they embark on a season that promises to challenge them against established rivals.