Soccer | 9/22/2026 3:17:00 PM

DENTON, Texas (Sept. 22, 2026) - The Texas Woman's soccer team jumped four spots to No. 12 in Tuesday's NCAA Division II IWSOC Top 25 Coaches Poll, following an unbeaten 8-0 start to the season.

The No. 12 ranking marks the highest national ranking in program history. Prior to this week, TWU's highest mark was No. 15, a program record first set in 2017 and tied two weeks ago on Sept. 8.

TWU remains undefeated through their first eight matches, outscoring opponents 20-1 with seven shutouts. The Pioneers are one of the few remaining unbeaten and untied teams in NCAA Division II.

"We're excited to see our program continue to be recognized, but our focus remains on the work that happens every day," Head Coach Babak Abouzar said. "Winning isn't easy, so we'll take a moment to enjoy this recognition while continuing to stay hungry and focused on what's ahead. This team has shown tremendous discipline in doing the extra things necessary to keep themselves healthy, prepared, and ready to train and compete at a high level. Those details may not always be visible, but they are a huge part of what allows us to continue growing as a team. We're proud of the commitment this group continues to show, and we're looking forward to another quality opponent on the road."

In the South Central Region rankings, TWU held strong at No. 2 behind top-ranked Dallas Baptist (7-0-0, 4-0), who maintained the No. 3 spot nationally. The Lone Star Conference features three teams in this week's national Top 25: Dallas Baptist at No. 3, TWU at No. 12, and Midwestern State, who entered the poll at No. 21 after launching its season with an 8-0-0, 4-0 record.

The Pioneers return to action Wednesday, Sept. 23, hosting St. Mary's for Hispanic Heritage and Faculty & Staff Night at 6 p.m. at Pioneer Soccer Park. TWU will then travel to Wichita Falls, Texas, on Saturday, Sept. 26, for a top-25 clash against No. 21 Midwestern State at 7 p.m.

-PIONEERS-