30-Second Sneak Peak: The Lady Bulldogs are fresh off of winning their AAC Championship last season, as well as advancing to the second round of the National Tournament. This season is coming with some lofty expectations as they are projected to be the number two team in the conference, yet again. We take a look at the team’s expectations for this upcoming season through two of their very own athletes. While discussing their overall confidence in the team’s abilities and bond, the athletes also highlighted the Truett-McConnell game as one to keep on the radar with the history they share.
After a triumphant 15-3 season last year, the Tennessee Wesleyan Women’s Soccer Team is looking to build on that success in the 2026-2027 season.
We interviewed senior Val Koopman, number 10, and freshman Katie Henderson, number 6, with some questions regarding this upcoming season.
When asked about how they think the team is shaping up this year, they did not lack confidence. Both players have great confidence that the team is bonding well, and that the team has a great combination of returners and newcomers. Along with some of these new additions, Koopman expressed that the freshman will have a big impact this season.
We also asked the girls to highlight what some of their biggest games will be this upcoming season, highlighting the Truett-McConnell game. With it being one of their three losses last season and their AAC Championship game opponent, these two teams already have history, and it seems as though the stakes will remain high during their matchup this upcoming season.
As far as the culture that has been built so far for the team, both Koopman and Henderson had nothing but praise for their teammates. The team has already done various sorts of team bonding activities to get to know one another, and everything seems like it is falling into place for them to have yet another big season.
The teams’ last scrimmage on August 25, 2026 was a convincing 4-0 win over Berry University. Their final scrimmage was a tune-up on August 29 against Maryville College, as they begin their road to another AAC Championship this season.
A great way to keep up with the TWU Women’s Soccer Team’s season is by following their Instagram page.
Story by Niko Marinacci
Edited by Lexie Lee
Photos by JJ Faulkner
Interview by Bella Jenkins
Audio by Dontae Campbell, Lexie Lee, and Hunter Cookston