1 UW Women’s Soccer Adjusting to Conference Realignment

By: Macen Staley, Kiki Hansen, and Cyanna Aguirre

August 4th, 2023 was just like any other Friday until an announcement came from UW President Ana Mari Cauce. She announced an end to UW’s over 100 years as part of the Pac-12 conference. Beginning August of 2024, UW would be part of the Big 10 conference, with their new farthest opponent being the University of Maryland over 2,000 miles away. Everyone anxiously waited to see what kind of effect this would have on all UW athletic teams, including UW women’s soccer.

The University of Washington women’s soccer team was founded in 1991 and has competed in Division 1 soccer since. With competing in the NCAA and being a part of the Pac-12, the UW women’s soccer team has consistently been at the top of the collegiate program. The Huskies have made several appearances in the NCAA tournaments, like the Elite Eight in 2004 and 2010. The team has also appeared in many top finishes within the Pac-12 for years. Several players have received All-American and All-Conferences honors, among many going on to play for different professional teams.

Prior to the conference realignment, the UW women’s soccer team’s farthest opponents were USC and UCLA in southern California. Since their move to the BIG 10, they have had to play regular-season games across the country against Maryland and Rutgers. This change of place has altered how the team manages school with sports but has also come with several benefits. One player described these by saying, “We’ve increased the visibility of our team a lot by moving to the BIG 10”. The biggest change has been an increase in attendance due to the different cultures surrounding women’s soccer in the BIG 10. “There’s a lot more people that will show up to the games because it’s part of their school spirit to support women’s soccer.” The conference realignment has come with lots of changes, some difficult to navigate, but others provide a positive change for the program.

Despite all the changes, the UW women’s soccer team still attempts to preserve traditions and keep the team bond strong. “We bring our traditions on the road and adjust to whatever locker room they give us,” says one player on the team. This helps give the team a sense of familiarity, even when they’re far from home. No matter how far they travel for the away games, the home games are always played at Husky Soccer Stadium, and they are able to mentally prepare for the game in the same locker room every time. There are also dedicated fans who show up to the home games and provide a familiar face in the crowd. No matter how much changes on the road, the team is always able to return to Husky Soccer Stadium to all its familiar features.

References

Washington Huskies. (2023, August 4). Washington Huskies. https://gohuskies.com/news/2023/8/4/general-university-of-washington-will-join-the-big-ten-conference-in-2024.aspx

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