FARMINGTON, Utah (Sept. 16, 2026) – Non-Conference action continues around the league with a full slate of games resuming on Thursday.
Below are news & notes from around the league for Big Sky Soccer.
Northern Colorado's Ava Marshall Named Offensive Player of the Week
Northern Colorado's Ava Marshall was named Offensive Player of the Week after scoring the game-winning goal over projected Mountain West favorites, Air Force. The junior was efficient in her offensive production in the Bears' lone match of the week as she registered three shots, two of them being on goal. The brace was the first of the season for Marshall.
Northern Colorado is back on the pitch on Thursday as they travel to UC Riverside.
Others Nominated: Calli Chiarelli (UI), Samanthe Fenske (ISU), Elliotte Kortus (NAU), Lataya Brost (UTU), Lily Blum (WSU)
Northern Arizona's Emery Copeland Named Defensive Player of the Week
Northern Arizona's Emery Copeland earned the weekly honor after recording a shutout over Grambling State in her first career start. Copeland recorded three saves on five shots faced in her 70 minutes of action in Sunday's contest.
Northern Arizona returns to action on Thursday at Grand Canyon.
Others Nominated: Izzy Thoma (UI), Francesca Jordan (UNC)
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 6)
Thursday, Sept. 17
#18 Utah State at Idaho State // 4:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Northern Colorado at UC Riverside // 5:30 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Southern Utah at Boise State // 7:00 p.m. MT (YouTube)
Idaho at San Francisco // 7:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Northern Arizona at Grand Canyon // 8:00 p.m. MT (MW+)
Saturday, Sept. 19
Weber State at Utah Valley // 7:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
Sunday, Sept. 20
Eastern Washington at Air Force // 12:00 p.m. MT (MW+)
Northern Arizona at New Mexico State // 1:00 p.m. MT (ESPN+)
San Diego at Portland State // 1:00 p.m. MT
Idaho State at New Mexico // 1:00 p.m. MT (MW+)
Northern Colorado at San Diego State // 1:00 p.m. MT (YouTube)
Idaho at UC Davis // 2:00 p.m. MT (MW+)
Montana at Gonzaga // 4:00 p.m. MT (YouTube)