FARMINGTON, Utah (Sept. 2, 2026) – As the calendar turns to September, teams around the league prepare for full month of non-conference action.
Below are news & notes from around the league for Big Sky Soccer.
Idaho State's Saydree Cooke Named Offensive Player of the Week
Idaho State's Saydree Cooke was named Offensive Player of the Week after a 5-point weekend powering the Bengal offense. Cooke scored a pair of goals and also contributed an assist through the team's two matches. Her three points on Thursday led the Bengals to a big 3-3 result against UNLV.
Idaho State is back on the pitch on Thursday as they travel to Omaha.
Others Nominated: Deanna Montero (EWU), Stuart Makenna (WSU), Elli Lewis (UM), Lataya Brost (UTU)
Utah Tech's Elle Rafajko Named Defensive Player of the Week
Utah Tech's Elle Rafajko was given the weekly honor after an 11-save performance over the Trailblazer's two contests. The junior led Utah Tech to the program's first win over a power conference team in the 2-1 victory over Utah on Sunday night. Rafajko surrendered just one goal after facing 35 shots on the week.
The Trailblazers are back in action on Thursday, squaring off against Utah State.
Others Nominated: Payton Hyde (EWU), Paula Flores (UI), Gracie East (ISU), Avery Heeb (UM), Thordis Melsted (UNC)
Eagles Remain Unbeaten at 5-0
After the first three weeks of play, Eastern Washington is the only unbeaten left as they head into week four with a perfect 5-0 record. The 5-0 start if the best start for the Eagles in program history. Eastern Washington has defeated Mount Royal, Bucknell, UIC, Western Illinois and CSU Bakersfield, surrendering just one goal along the way.
Eastern Washington looks to stay in the win column as they host Wyoming this weekend.
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 4)
Thursday, Sept. 3
UC Irvine at Southern Utah // 4:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Idaho at South Dakota // 5:00 p.m. MT (SL Network)
Idaho State at Omaha // 6:00 p.m. MT (SL Network)
Montana at Air Force // 6:00 p.m. MT (MW+)
Northern Arizona at Nevada // 7:00 p.m. MT (MW+)
Utah Tech at Utah State // 7:00 p.m. MT (YouTube)
Weber State at Pacific // 8:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Friday, Sept. 4
Northern Colorado at Creighton // 4:00 p.m. MT (YouTube)
Sunday, Sept. 6
Justice College at Southern Utah // 11:00 a.m. MT (ESPN+)
Idaho at South Dakota State // 12:00 p.m. MT (SL Network)
Colorado State at Utah Tech // 12:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
New Mexico at Northern Colorado // 12:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Wyoming at Eastern Washington // 1:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Montana at Denver // 1:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Idaho State at SMU // 1:00 p.m. MT (ACCNX)
Northern Arizona at St. Mary's // 2:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)