Santa Clara women's soccer is primed to begin its 2026 season aiming for a return to the NCAA Tournament and the West Coast Conference title under coach Jerry Smith, who is set for his 40th season. Smith's anticipated second win will place him at 571, making him the second all-time winningest coach in Division I women's soccer history. The Broncos' roster consists of 10 newcomers, three transfers, and 16 returning players, with key returners recognized nationally, including defender Izzy De Buyl and forward Mailin Orozco, who was also named Preseason All-WCC. The season kicks off tomorrow against San Jose State, leading into a challenging homestand featuring matches against No. 9 UCLA and No. 1 Stanford, the latter to be nationally televised on ESPNU.

By the Numbers
  • Coach Jerry Smith needs just 2 wins to reach 571, making him the second winningest coach in Division I history.
  • Mailin Orozco led the Broncos last season with 6 goals and 14 points.
State of Play
  • The team is integrating 10 newcomers, including 3 transfers from notable colleges.
  • Santa Clara will face a tough schedule with a seven-match homestand featuring two highly ranked opponents.
What's Next

The Broncos will need to establish strong team chemistry quickly to make a significant impact this season, especially with their daunting schedule ahead. A solid performance against San Jose State will set the tone for the homestand.

Bottom Line

As Santa Clara women's soccer embarks on this pivotal season, the combination of experienced returners and new talents presents an exciting opportunity to reclaim former glory in the NCAA and the WCC.