UT Permian Basin's women's soccer team gears up for the 2026 season with three players鈥擵aleria Delgado, Trinity Vasquez, and Mikaela Corral鈥攔ecognized on the Lone Star Conference's preseason watch list. Under Head Coach Garrett Kull, entering his second year, the Falcons aim to improve upon an underwhelming record of 3-10-3 last season, while they are projected to finish 13th in the conference again. Delgado, a standout goalkeeper, has been particularly noteworthy, boasting a 1.24 goals-against average and 93 saves in the previous season. Her performances helped set multiple program records for goals allowed and average goals-against. The LSC season kicks off on August 27.

By the Numbers
  • UTPB finished last season with a 1.19 goals-against average, breaking the previous program record.
  • Goalkeeper Valeria Delgado made 93 saves, ranking 3rd in the conference.
  • The Falcons are projected to finish 13th in the Lone Star Conference with 148 total points.
Yes, But

While Delgado's individual accolades highlight her talents, the team's struggling record poses questions about overall team performance and depth. UTPB's defensive records are commendable, yet improvement is essential to climb higher in the competitive Lone Star Conference. Critics may argue that relying on standout players could hinder broader team development.

State of Play
  • The defending Lone Star Conference champion, DBU, is favored to win again with 662 points.
  • UTPB will face off against the University of Southwest in their season opener on August 27.
  • The LSC women鈥檚 soccer season features all 15 teams vying for regular season success and NCAA postseason opportunities.
What's Next

As the season begins, the Falcons will look to convert individual talents into improved team results. If Delgado and her teammates perform consistently, they could potentially surpass their projected 13th-place finish. Future matchups will reveal if the Falcons can capitalize on their defensive strengths and develop a more potent offense throughout the season.

Bottom Line

To succeed, UTPB needs to transition individual excellence, particularly from Delgado, Vasquez, and Corral, into cohesive team dynamics. Improvement in their overall record is crucial not only for morale but also for meeting competitive aspirations in the Lone Star Conference. The upcoming season is an opportunity for the Falcons to build on last year's defensive successes while pursuing offensive growth.