Soccer | 1/7/2026 2:49:00 PM
DENTON, Texas (Jan. 7, 2026) - The Texas Woman's soccer team's 2025 season came to a close in the Second Round of the NCAA Division II Tournament, ending a postseason run that marked the most successful campaign in program history.
The Pioneers finished 16-4-3 overall and 9-2-3 in Lone Star Conference play, advancing to the second round of the NCAA Tournament for the first time while setting multiple single-season program records.
"Being part of such a historic season felt unreal in the best way," junior defender Erica Brelove said. "It was special knowing we were not just winning games but building something that would be remembered. Our chemistry and trust in each other made the difference, and everyone buying in is what turned a great season into a historic one."
A Breakthrough Year for the Program
The Pioneers' season featured several program firsts. They entered the national rankings on Sept. 16, cracking the Top 25 for the first time since 2017, and carried that momentum through conference and postseason play.
After earning a spot in the Lone Star Conference Tournament Championship match for the first time in program history, TWU continued their postseason run. A golden goal by Bri Luna lifted the Pioneers to their first NCAA Tournament victory on Nov. 21, before the season concluded two days later against the nation's top-ranked team.
"My favorite moment was winning the first round of the NCAA Tournament in the last two minutes of overtime," forward Giselle Gutierrez said. "It was so fun to celebrate all together and realize that our season wasn't over yet, we were going to be able to compete in the second round which had never happened in our program."
Record-Setting Performances
The Pioneers finished the season with program records in wins with 16, 45 goals, 46 assists, 136 points, 14 shutouts, and seven consecutive wins.
Gutierrez led the offensive effort, starting 22 of 23 matches and scoring a program-record 12 goals while adding six assists for 30 points, the most in a single season in TWU history. Her performance earned First Team All-LSC honors and Division II CCA All-South Central Region First Team recognition, the first Pioneer to earn the honor since 2017.
On the defensive end, Brelove anchored the back line, starting every match and logging a team-high 2,006 minutes. She added two goals, including a game winner, along with the first two assists of her career. Brelove earned First Team All-LSC honors and her third consecutive All-Region selection.
Both Gutierrez and Brelove were named to the All-LSC First Team this season, marking a milestone for the Pioneers as two players earned top conference honors in the same year.
Team Effort and Looking Ahead
While the 2025 season concluded in the NCAA Second Round, the Pioneers' accomplishments went far beyond any single game. Every player contributed to a historic year that included TWU's first NCAA Tournament victory, the program's first appearance in an LSC Championship match, and multiple single-season records.
Freshman midfielder Jaida Arizmendi left her mark on the program, breaking the TWU single-season assist record with nine helpers and helping drive the team's attack. Luna and Alyssa Striker provided timely scoring in the postseason, including Luna's golden goal in the NCAA Tournament and Striker's overtime strike to send the Pioneers into the LSC Semifinals. Their clutch performances reflected the team's resilience and belief that anything was possible.
"Our bond on and off the field carried us through the season," sophomore goalkeeper Faith Graves said. "One moment that stands out the most is the final of the LSC tournament whenever we went to the field, and all the parents were tailgating and had signs for us. That was a really special moment, knowing that all of our supporters were there. What I'm most excited for this offseason going into next year is seeing how much stronger we can get. I think individually just continuing to communicate with my teammates, and then as a team, growing our bond as a unit, is what's really going to set us up for next season."
Midfielder Ailyn Oliveros echoed the team-wide sentiment, emphasizing the culture that drove their historic run. "I feel so honored to be part of such an amazing team," Oliveros said. "We had a historic year, but we faced a lot of challenges and I admired how we continued to support and be there for one another. Every girl on the team has a certain role and we all did the best we could in that role, and I think that is a part of why we were so successful. Every girl on the team embraced her role, supported each other, and pushed through challenges. That mindset is what set us apart this season, and it will carry us into next year."
Returning players like Brelove, Gutierrez, Oliveros, and Graves bring experience and leadership back to a squad eager to build on the 2025 accomplishments. With new recruits and the motivation to continue their record-breaking momentum, the Pioneers are poised to keep raising the standard for TWU soccer.
Though the season concluded in the NCAA Second Round, the Pioneers closed the year having redefined what is possible for the program, setting a foundation to build upon in the years ahead.
-PIONEERS-
