By: Hope Hensley 

August 27, 2026 

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — Entering her second season leading the Westmont Women's Soccer program, Head Coach Lauren Matthias and the Warriors are stepping onto the pitch for the 2026 campaign with elevated expectations, deeper roster ownership, and a clear tactical standard.

Following a productive spring season spent refining their execution and film study, the Warriors enter the fall voted sixth in the PacWest Preseason Coaches' Poll with 50 points. Rather than looking outward, Matthias notes that the team's focus remains locked entirely on internal growth and self-conviction.

"We told the group right from our first pregame talk that we're out to prove nothing to nobody other than the people in the room," said Matthias. "We aren't going after it trying to prove people wrong; we want to prove ourselves right. If we aren't doing it for the teammate to our left and right, then we're doing it for the wrong reasons."

Rooted to Rise: Faith & Team Culture
Program culture and spiritual development remain core pillars for Westmont. This season, the team has adopted the theme "Rooted to Rise."
"We had the players come together on day one and decide on the four things they want to be rooted in as a team. We wanted true ownership in their hands regarding what grounds us." 

• The Team's Four Roots: Service (Selfless, like Christ), Sacrificial Loyalty, Discipline, and Love (Sport/Team/God)

Culture of Accountability & Veteran Leadership
The transition from Matthias's debut season to year two has seen a massive shift in player-led leadership and accountability. Fifth-year veterans Ainsley Martin and Emily Jordan, alongside a sharp senior class, have established a firm environment where players hold themselves and each other to daily standards.

"The biggest growth from year one to year two is that they know the standard, they know how we're trying to play, and they know how to hold that standard themselves within the group," noted Matthias. "That accountability piece is a core value for us. Ainsley and Emily, along with our seniors, have a vital understanding of our culture and how we want every single thing done day in and day out."

​​​​​Dynamic Attack & Roster Depth

Junior forward Skyler McNamara helps lead the attacking unit after earning a spot on the 2026 PacWest Preseason Watch List, building on her Second Team All-PacWest campaign last fall. While McNamara brings a high-energy, vocal presence upfront, Matthias emphasizes that Westmont's offensive threat extends across the entire front line.

"Skyler had a breakout year last season—she helps us keep the ball, brings high energy, and is a big presence in the attack," said Matthias. "But what makes me really excited is that we have so many dangerous frontline options. We can sub full frontline shifts out, and every group is ready to contribute. The baseline level of our whole team has gone up."

That depth is mirrored across the field, with returners and an energetic freshman class pushing for key minutes in front of senior goalkeeper Ellie Ludwig.

On-Field Identity & Non-Negotiables

Heading into non-conference play, Westmont has established key on-field, non-negotiables that will define their style of play regardless of opponent: winning 50-50 battles, competing relentlessly for first and second balls, hunting for scoring opportunities in the box, and finishing plays defensively.

"We want our fans and supporters to see that on-field identity clearly, whether they watch online or at Thorrington Field," Matthias added. "You can have a talented team, but the 'takes-no-talent' effort plays are what will push us over the edge this year