Wisconsin Badgers
TCU
Quick Kicks: Badgers set for Top-25 season opener
August 11, 2026 | Women's Soccer
Five things to know before No. 22 Wisconsin takes on No. 6 TCU
MADISON, Wis. - No. 22 women's soccer will open the 2026 season against No. 6 TCU on Thursday, Aug. 13, at 7 p.m. at McClimon Soccer Complex. The match will be streamed on Big Ten Network and the FOX Sports app.
Here are five things to know before the Badgers face off against the Horned Frogs:
1. A History with TCU
Wisconsin and TCU have faced each other just three times in program history, with the Badgers holding a 2-0-1 advantage, including a 1-0-0 record at home.
The last meeting between the two teams came in 2022 in Fort Worth, Texas, with the match ending in a 0-0 draw.
2. Know the Horned Frogs
TCU enters the season ranked No. 6 in the nation in the United Soccer Coaches preseason poll following a trip to the 2025 College Cup and a Big 12 regular-season championship.
The Horned Frogs return Emma Yolinsky, who led the team with nine goals last season. She also recorded five assists while playing nearly 1,500 minutes.
Also returning for TCU are 2025 Big 12 Freshman of the Year Kamdyn Fueller and goalkeeper Olivia Geller, who recorded 65 saves and six shutouts during the 2025 campaign.
3. Back for More
Wisconsin returns plenty of veteran presence this season, with Drew Stover, Erin Connolly, Kiara Gilmore and Hailey Baumann leading the charge. All four have been named to the 2026 MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List.
Stover returns in goal after earning Third Team All-Big Ten honors a season ago. She started and played all 22 games, totaling a team-high 1,980 minutes while recording 10 shutouts, including four consecutive shutouts from Oct. 4 through Oct. 16. Stover also faced a career-high 18 shots at Penn State, allowing just one goal to help the Badgers secure a 2-1 victory on Sept. 21. She finished the season with 65 saves and a .765 save percentage.
The Badgers also return a strong backline led by Kiara Gilmore and Hailey Baumann. Gilmore earned Big Ten All-Freshman Team, United Soccer Coaches All-North Region Team and TopDrawerSoccer Freshman Best XI Second Team honors after starting 21 games and totaling 1,801 minutes. She recorded four assists and six shots, including four on goal. Baumann returns after earning First Team All-Big Ten, United Soccer Coaches Second Team All-North Region and CSC Academic All-District honors. She was also ranked No. 74 in TopDrawerSoccer's Women's National Top 100 Postseason Rankings. Baumann scored against Marquette on Aug. 24 and added three assists while totaling 1,947 minutes after starting all 22 games.
Connolly returns as the Badgers' leading goal scorer after earning First Team All-Big Ten and United Soccer Coaches All-North Region honors. She started all 22 matches and played 1,855 minutes, leading Wisconsin with nine goals while recording 36 shots.
4. 20 Years of Wilkins
Paula Wilkins returns to the helm for her 20th season as head coach of the Badgers.Â
At Wisconsin, Wilkins has posted a 217-112-63 record, making her the program's winningest coach in history, while compiling a 336-131-74 overall record throughout her 26-year coaching career. During her career, Wilkins has led teams to 22 NCAA Tournament appearances, including 11 Sweet 16 appearances, and has earned seven Big Ten Coach of the Year honors. She has also coached 12 Big Ten Players of the Year and seven FIFA Women's World Cup participants, including Wisconsin legend and former No. 1 overall NWSL Draft pick Rose Lavelle.
5. Follow the Badgers
Stay connected with Wisconsin women's soccer throughout the 2026 season by following the Badgers on Instagram and X at @BadgerWSoccer and on Facebook at Wisconsin Women's Soccer. Fans can also visit UWBadgers.com for the latest news, schedules, results, statistics and more.
