The South Carolina women鈥檚 soccer team is set to begin its 2026 season, facing Oregon State at Stone Stadium on August 12 at 7:00 p.m. This matchup marks the first meeting between the teams. Head coach Shelley Smith enters her 30th year, and the Gamecocks look to build on their strong NCAA Tournament presence, finishing last season 10-5-5. Oregon State, with a 2-12-5 record last year, will bring back senior Adele Schwab, their top scorer.

By the Numbers
  • 2026 marks the 30th year for head coach Shelley Smith.
  • The Gamecocks achieved their 19th NCAA Tournament appearance last season.
Yes, But

Despite the Gamecocks' solid season and consistent postseason runs, they faced a disappointing exit in the NCAA Tournament, highlighting the need for improvement against top teams.

State of Play
  • The Gamecocks reached as high as No. 8 in national rankings last season.
  • Oregon State is coming off a struggling 2025 season but looks to increase its competitiveness in 2026.
What's Next

Following the opener against Oregon State, the Gamecocks will aim to build momentum for the season, with potential implications for future matchups based on their early performance.

Bottom Line

The Gamecocks' opener against Oregon State not only serves as a fresh start but also sets the stage for key developments in their 2026 campaign, emphasizing the need to leverage last season's experience for future success.