FARMINGTON, Utah (Aug. 19, 2026) – The first week of soccer season is in the books as all 10 teams around the league have played their first matches of the 2026 season.
Below are news & notes from around the league for Big Sky Soccer.
Utah Tech's Ella Rusick Named Offensive Player of the Week
In their first official week as a Big Sky Conference team, the Trailblazers have already collected their first weekly honor in Ella Rusick. The senior forward was very productive on the offensive front scoring all three of the team's goals this week on just three shots on goal. Her first goal of the season was scored just 64 seconds into the match on opening night against UC Irvine. She then kept the momentum rolling into Saturday's game against UC San Diego where she scored a pair of goals in just three minutes.
The Trailblazers look for their first win of the season when they host Westminster in St. George on Thursday.
Others Nominated: Mia Miconi (EWU), Hallie Prinos-Grumbach (UI), Ava Hinske (NAU), Gracen Blieschke (SUU)
Idaho's Paula Flores Named Defensive Player of the Week
Idaho's Paula Flores was named Defensive Player of the Week after recording back-to-back clean sheets, leading Idaho to a perfect 2-0 start to the season. Flores faced a total of 18 shots over the two matches, making five saves. Her defensive efforts led the Vandals to their first rivalry win over Washington State since 1999 and the program's best start in five years.
The Vandals are back in action on Saturday as they face Hawaii.
Others Nominated: Payton Hyde (EWU), Lexi Saveski (NAU)
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.
Follow the Big Sky Conference (@BigSkyConf) on X, Facebook, Instagram, Blue Sky, YouTube and TikTok for all the latest news around the league.
2026 Big Sky Soccer Schedule (Week 2)
Thursday, Aug. 20
Weber State at Wyoming // 4:00 p.m. MT (MW+)
Eastern Washington at UIC // 5:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Northern Arizona at New Mexico // 7:00 p.m. MT (MW+)
Westminster at Utah Tech // 7:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Portland State at Cal Baptist // 8:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Idaho State at CSUN // 8:00 p.m. MT
Montana at Seattle // 8:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Saturday, Aug. 22
Idaho at Hawaii // 3:00 p.m. MT (MW+)
Southern Utah at Utah // 3:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Sunday, Aug. 23
Eastern Washington at Western Illinois // 10:30 a.m. MT
Portland at Utah Tech // 11:00 a.m. MT (ESPN+)
Idaho State at CSU Bakersfield // 12:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Oregon State at Weber State // 1:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
UC San Diego at Northern Arizona // 2:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Montana at Washington // 3:00 p.m. MT (B1G+)
Portland State at San Diego State // 4:00 p.m. MT (Youtube)
Colorado State at Northern Colorado // 6:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)