Soccer Breaks Into IWSOC/USC Coaches Poll at No. 6
8/18/2026 2:40:00 PM | Soccer
Bears post program-best ranking after first 2-0 start against Power Conference foes
WACO, Texas – After receiving votes in the preseason Intercollegiate Women's Soccer Organization Top 25 Coaches Poll in partnership with United Soccer Coaches, Baylor soccer's 2-0 start propelled the Bears to No. 6 in the nation, as announced Tuesday.
Baylor, which posted a 14-5-4 record last season that featured a run to the NCAA Round of 16, ended the 2025 campaign at No. 15 after peaking at No. 10 midway through October during Big 12 play, the highest ranking in the Michelle Lenard era at the time.
The Bears' No. 6 spot surpasses the program's previous high of No. 9, first achieved in 2013 and matched twice in 2018, including in the season-ending poll following an appearance in the NCAA Quarterfinals, making it the highest ranking in program history.
BU's 2-0 start is its first since 2019 and the 14th in program history. It is also the first to feature back-to-back victories against Power Conference opponents to open a season.
The Big 12 Conference is also represented by BYU at No. 9, Kansas at No. 12, TCU at No. 15, Colorado at No. 17 and West Virginia at No. 22.
Baylor defeated No. 10 Arkansas on the road to open the 2026 season, with goals from Lauren Omholt (16'), Callie Conrad (56'), Olivia Hess (64') and Noelle Sather (66') before Arkansas scored in the 68th minute. The Bears outshot Arkansas 15-7, including a 10-3 advantage in shots on goal.
In the home opener, the Bears defeated their second SEC opponent, local foe Texas A&M, 2-1. Conrad scored in the seventh minute before Grace White netted her first career goal in the 32nd minute, which stood as the game-winner. Baylor outshot the Aggies 19-7 and held a 7-2 edge in shots on goal.
Baylor returns to Betty Lou Mays Field next Sunday to host Texas State. The match starts at 7:30 p.m., admission is free and the game will be streamed live on ESPN+.
To stay up to date, follow the team on its official Facebook, X and Instagram accounts: @BaylorFutbol.
Baylor, which posted a 14-5-4 record last season that featured a run to the NCAA Round of 16, ended the 2025 campaign at No. 15 after peaking at No. 10 midway through October during Big 12 play, the highest ranking in the Michelle Lenard era at the time.
The Bears' No. 6 spot surpasses the program's previous high of No. 9, first achieved in 2013 and matched twice in 2018, including in the season-ending poll following an appearance in the NCAA Quarterfinals, making it the highest ranking in program history.
BU's 2-0 start is its first since 2019 and the 14th in program history. It is also the first to feature back-to-back victories against Power Conference opponents to open a season.
The Big 12 Conference is also represented by BYU at No. 9, Kansas at No. 12, TCU at No. 15, Colorado at No. 17 and West Virginia at No. 22.
Baylor defeated No. 10 Arkansas on the road to open the 2026 season, with goals from Lauren Omholt (16'), Callie Conrad (56'), Olivia Hess (64') and Noelle Sather (66') before Arkansas scored in the 68th minute. The Bears outshot Arkansas 15-7, including a 10-3 advantage in shots on goal.
In the home opener, the Bears defeated their second SEC opponent, local foe Texas A&M, 2-1. Conrad scored in the seventh minute before Grace White netted her first career goal in the 32nd minute, which stood as the game-winner. Baylor outshot the Aggies 19-7 and held a 7-2 edge in shots on goal.
Baylor returns to Betty Lou Mays Field next Sunday to host Texas State. The match starts at 7:30 p.m., admission is free and the game will be streamed live on ESPN+.
To stay up to date, follow the team on its official Facebook, X and Instagram accounts: @BaylorFutbol.
- BaylorBears.com -
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