RIO GRANDE VALLEY – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros women's soccer team opens the 2026 season this week when they host Texas Southern at the UTRGV Soccer and Track & Field Complex on Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
 
After weeks of preparation, which included a new head coach, practice sessions, team bonding exercises, and an exhibition match, the Vaqueros feel like they are ready to contend this season.
 
"I'm super excited where we are," head women's soccer coach Nataki Stewart said. "Now we continue to build, the first game is always special and I'm sure our preparation is where it should be for Thursday."
 
Junior Ericka Parker raved about the new team and how she believes UTRGV is ready to take the next step.
 
"I expect a lot of growth from the team this season," Erika Parker said. "I expect us to be contenders, people might overlook us, but I believe it's our time. I'm so excited to be back on the pitch, it's so nice to play soccer again, especially with our passionate team."
 
One key component to the new tight-knit squad has been energy and chemistry.
 
"The girls on the team are super welcoming," freshman Angelina Burtini said. "I reported to the team later than my teammates, and the team was so friendly and inclusive. You can tell it's a family type vibe with everyone pushing each other to be better. I believe as season goes on, we will get a lot closer and have more energy on and off the pitch, other than that I feel were heading in the right direction."
 
That energy has helped the Vaqueros to be ready for their first match and that energy will be pivotal in helping them have a good season.
 
"Having a team that is led by the people within is the best team," Stewart said. "Linnea Eld has been tremendous, Ericka Parker has been great, even our new players like Londyn Johnson, Yarisah Perez, Melany Gallegos, are chipping in. Overall, the team is close-knit, when that comes together it transitions onto the pitch."
Coach Stewart is ready for this first season with UTRGV and is optimistic in the team's outlook. The approach is simple, be poised and tenacious.
 
"We have to build a team that is resilience and gritty," Stewart said. "We have to fight for each other, and we don't look too far forward, we remain focused to seize the opportunity one game at a time."
  
Sophomore Isabella Burtini returns and looks to help the attacking line for the Vaqueros. The striker had three goals in 12 matches last season and looks to add more scoring opportunities this season.
 
Senior Linnea Eld returns to anchor and a push up the pitch to stretch the opponent's defense, create depth, and score goals. The veteran looks to create space between the opponent's midfield and defensive positions.
 
"Eld has been phenomenal," Stewart said. "From the moment I stepped on campus in February, she's like a second coach, an extension of our staff. Our team is better because she is one of our leaders."

The Vaqueros are coming off a 6-10-2 season last fall, just missing the Southland Conference Tournament and are looking to take that next step forward this season. 

The Vaqueros want to build off what they did in 2025 but in order to do that, they will need make sure they don't let those opportunities slip by.
 
"The vision is important, but the connection is evident," Stewart said. "The bottom line is to inspire young people to be their best self, not from a soccer stand point, but from a motivational point of view."
 
The 2026 season is here, and big things could be in store for the Vaqueros. 

The 2026 season starts on Thursday, Aug. 13 against Texas Southern at UTRGV Soccer and Track & Field Complex.

 Support UTRGV Women's Soccer | Become a Fan on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter | Follow us on Instagram | Follow us on YouTube
Print Friendly Version