This week, the Women’s Soccer program at PCC is kicking off its first season under new head coach, Brandon Jackson. This season will be a breath of fresh air for Beaver fans following an underwhelming performance last season. Coach Jackson is looking forward to the season and the opportunities it will bring for his young squad.  

The team is made up of 21 freshmen and 4 sophomores (only 2 of which are returning players for the college). Teams that are this youthful often struggle early in the season, but Coach Jackson said that his team is adjusting well and has been able to develop good chemistry in their short preseason. “The team has a lot of promise.” He set expectations for the squad very clearly. ‘We need to form a kind of sisterhood among our players. The group is tight knit and if they can lean into that, I believe we will see some success on the pitch.”  

The team was picked to finish 5th in the conference, but Coach Jackson has his sights set even higher. About the prediction, he said: “Polls don't matter to me and I wish we had been picked last so we would have more of a chip on the shoulder. Beginning of the year doesn't matter. It is all about how they finish in the conference tournament.” His goal for his girls is to finish in the top 3 of the conference. He also emphasized that with the team’s youth, he is expecting their experiences this year to help catapult them even higher in the 2026 season.  

When asked what message he would want to send to his team, he began with a clear message. “Be tough nosed and give 110%.” He also emphasized the need to have fun while competing hard on the pitch. “Make it Memorable.”  

With the diversity of the team, which is made up of players from 10 different countries (Austria, England, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Scottland, South Africa, Spain, and the United States), the team will have a unique opportunity to learn about other cultures. It will also be a great way for the team to bond. So many players are far from their family and friends, which means they will have to lean on their new second family, the team, for support.  

Coach Jackson’s final thoughts on the season were about the unknown factors. He listed injuries, off the field chemistry, grades, and a few other factors that could either elevate or derail the season for his, or any, team. As his first year at the helm begins, he also spoke to his long term goals for Pratt. “My ultimate goal for this program is to win the Jayhawk [Conference] and compete at nationals. But for now, I am focused on creating an environment where players can excel on field and in the classroom. I want them to make memories that last a lifetime as a college athlete.” 

The Team will be in action on Thursday, August 21 in El Reno, OK as they face the Redlands Community College squad.