The University of Alabama in Huntsville women's soccer program is set to open the 2026 season with a pair of home matches this weekend at Charger Park.

The Chargers begin the campaign Friday, Aug. 28, against Illinois Springfield at 4 p.m. before returning to the pitch Sunday, Aug. 30, to host Kentucky Wesleyan at noon.

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Head coach James Ballamy enters his eighth season leading the Chargers with an experienced group that returns much of its scoring production from last season. Senior Carley White headlines the returners after being named to the 2026 Gulf South Conference Women's Soccer Preseason Team. White led UAH with four goals in 2025, including three game-winners.

The Blue and White also welcome back Adriana Rojas and Michella Tortelli. Each scored three goals last season, while Ashley Wells – the team's fourth leading returner with one goal last season – also returns.

Among the newcomers are freshmen AC Blackaby and Tuva Lundström, who were both named GSC Newcomers to Watch. Blackaby joins the Chargers as a midfielder/forward from Cleveland, Tennessee, while Lundström comes to Huntsville as a midfielder from Stockholm, Sweden.

Senior CeCe Szopa returns in goal after starting 44 matches during her UAH career with nine clean sheets and a 1.11 career goals-against average. Szopa was named the D2CIDA Women's Soccer National Player of the Week last September after leading UAH to consecutive shutout victories over No. 13 Lee and Trevecca Nazarene.

UAH enters the 2026 campaign after posting a 6-9-2 record last season. 

Admission to all regular season home games at Charger Park is free this season courtesy of Alabama Credit Union.