FARMINGTON, Utah (Oct. 7, 2026) – The first week of conference action is complete as Idaho, Utah Tech and Weber State come out unbeaten. Northern Arizona and Northern Colorado are set to play their first set of Big Sky games this weekend.
Below are news & notes from around the league for Big Sky Soccer.
Utah Tech's Ella Rusick Named Offensive Player of the Week
Utah Tech's Ella Rusick was named Offensive Player of the Week after recording three points in the Trailblazer's perfect 2-0 week. The senior logged seven shots on the week, six of them on goal. Rusick scored the equalizer against Portland State and also notched the game-winning assist in the contest.
Utah Tech will play their first road games in this Big Sky this weekend against Idaho State and Weber State.
Others Nominated: Maya Bossenbrook (EWU), Makenna Stuart (UI), Elle Frazier (PSU), Ashley O'Malley (SUU), Oakley Anderson (WSU)
Southern Utah's Tatum Trout Named Defensive Player of the Week
Southern Utah's Tatum Trout earned the weekly honor after leading the Thunderbird's defensive efforts with 14 saves. Trout recorded a save percentage of .933 after facing 24 shots through the two matches on week. The honor is the first of the season for Trout.
Southern Utah will be on the road this weekend to take on Idaho State and Weber State.
Others Nominated: Payton Hyde (EWU), Miranda Goldner (UI), Finley Crabtree (PSU), Elle Rafajko (UTU), Isabella Sackett (WSU)
Week Two of Conference Action on Deck
The first of seven weeks of Big Sky play is complete as teams around the league turn their attention towards the second week of games.
Idaho, Utah Tech and Weber State all look to stay unbeaten through week two, while Northern Arizona and Northern Colorado are set to play their first conference matches of the season.
The Vandals take a 1-0-1 conference record into the weekend after drawing Weber State and defeating Eastern Washington a week ago. The Vandals have only dropped one of their last eight contests and look to keep their winning ways alive against Northern Arizona and Northern Colorado this weekend.
Utah Tech recorded a 2-0 start to open up their inaugural Big Sky season as the Trailblazers took down Portland State and Montana. Utah Tech is the only team in the conference with a 2-0 mark as they prepare to take on Idaho State and Weber State this week.
Weber State had a positive first week in conference action as the Wildcats tied Idaho and defeated Eastern Washington. The Wildcats square off against unbeaten Utah Tech on Thursday for the top spot in the standings before taking on Southern Utah on Saturday.
The top six teams in the standings at the end of conference play with qualify for the Big Sky championship in Missoula in November.
Weber State Picked as Preseason Favorites by League Coaches
Weber State was named preseason favorites by the league's head coaches after a runner-up finish a season ago. The Wildcats look to make a run behind their league-leading four preseason All-Conference team selections Isabella Sackett, Lily Blum, Oakley Anderson and reigning Freshman of the Year, Lauren Butorac.
Weber State earned the top spot in the poll after collecting five first-place votes and a league-leading 74 points, edging out Idaho, who compiled four first-place votes. In their first season in the Big Sky, Utah Tech received the final first-place vote in the poll, rounding out the top three.
NAU's Micala Boex Tabbed as Preseason MVP by League Coaches
Northern Arizona's Micala Boex headlines the Preseason All-Conference Team, earning Preseason MVP honors. Last season, Boex ranked top-five in the league in several offensive categories including goals, assists, points and shots. The Co-Offensive MVP from a season ago recorded eight multi-point games through the 2025 campaign.
Southern Utah and Utah Tech Join the Big Sky in 2026
Southern Utah and Utah Tech were officially welcomed as members of the Big Sky Conference this past summer, as the addition of the Thunderbirds and Trailblazers give the Big Sky 10 soccer squads for the 2026 season. The 2026 season will mark SUU’s return to the Big Sky after being a soccer member from 2012-21, while the year will be UTU’s inaugural season in the league.
2026 Big Sky Soccer Tournament Hosted in Missoula
The 2026 Big Sky Soccer Championship, hosted by University of Montana, will be held in Missoula, Montana on Nov. 11, 13 and 15. The Grizzlies earned the right to host the 2026 championship tournament by winning last fall's regular-season title.
The Grizzlies also won the tournament title in 2025, becoming the first Big Sky team to sweep the regular season and tournament titles since Northern Arizona in 2022.
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2026 Big Sky Soccer Schedule (Week 9)
Thursday, October. 8
Idaho at Northern Colorado // 12:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Utah Tech at Weber State // 7:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Southern Utah at Idaho State // 7:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Eastern Washington at Northern Arizona // 8:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Sunday, Oct. 11
Eastern Washington at Northern Colorado // 12:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Utah Tech at Idaho State // 1:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Southern Utah at Weber State // 1:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Idaho at Northern Arizona // 2:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)