2026 Trailblazers Womens Soccer Preview

Women's Soccer Eyes Regional Title, National Tournament Return in 2026

GODFREY - With a strong returning core, talented newcomers and a team culture that players and coaches describe as stronger than ever, the Trailblazers women's soccer team enters the 2026 season with high expectations and unfinished business.

Head Coach Justin Bernaix, entering his fifth season leading the Trailblazers, believes this year's squad has the talent to compete with anyone on its schedule and make a serious push toward the NJCAA National Tournament.

"I would classify this group just about as good as some of the other groups that we've had," Bernaix said during the team's preseason media day. "The vibe so far has been really good. The girls have gotten along really well and are starting to really gel on the field."

As has been the case throughout Bernaix's tenure, the goals remain ambitious.

"We set out to win our region, get one of the No. 1 seeds for the district tournament and hope to qualify for the national tournament," he said. "That's always the goal. I don't see any reason why this group doesn't have the potential to do that."

Building on Last Year's Success

The Trailblazers are coming off another strong season that ended just short of a national tournament berth. Lewis and Clark entered postseason play nationally ranked and pushed powerhouse Iowa Western in a tightly contested district matchup before falling late.

"We've just inched closer and closer to getting back to the national tournament," Bernaix said. "We're going to try to see if we can finally get our noses in front and over the line this season."

To prepare for that challenge, the Trailblazers have assembled one of the toughest schedules in recent program history.

Among the marquee matchups are contests against nationally-ranked Iowa Western, Indian Hills, Motlow State and Monroe College, as well as a road trip to face Seminole State, a national semifinalist a year ago.

"We're really going after it this year and trying to prepare ourselves for that postseason run," Bernaix said.

Defense, Experience Highlight Team Strengths

Bernaix feels confident about the team's balance heading into the season, particularly because of the number of returning players.

"We returned a good amount of starters, and the new players that have come in and are going to fill some of those starting positions have done really well," he said.

The Trailblazers expect to be particularly strong defensively, while also showing progress in the attack earlier than they did a year ago.

"I feel defensively we'll be solid," Bernaix said. "I think attacking-wise, at this point in the season, we might be a little further ahead than we were last season as far as creating chances."

The challenge will be capitalizing on those opportunities in key moments.

"Sometimes it's hard to score goals," Bernaix said. "But this group's really working hard to be able to do that."

A Sisterhood Off the Field

While talent and experience are important, players repeatedly pointed to the team's culture as one of its greatest strengths.

Sophomore forward and Nursing major Lucy Klumpp, of Granite City, described the group as a close-knit family.

"I feel like we're very close as a team," Klumpp said. "We have a very strong sisterhood, and everyone gets along very well."

That chemistry, she believes, directly impacts performance on the field.

"It helps us out a lot because we all feel really comfortable with one another," she said. "We're not afraid to make mistakes because we know everyone has our back."

Defender Abby Knight, a Granite City native studying Dental Assisting, agreed that the team's support system plays a critical role during emotionally charged matches.

"Soccer is a very mental game," Knight said. "My personal goal is to keep myself positive and help my team keep a positive attitude."

Spanish defender and midfielder Anitz Zurita echoed those sentiments, noting that the team's bond helps players overcome difficult moments together.

"For those hard times, that sisterhood she mentioned is important," Zurita said. "I can already feel that we are making a great team."

Bernaix believes the team's culture may ultimately become a deciding factor in close matches.

"Sometimes it's that mental side, that confidence side, that trust and belief that they have in one another that can pull us through," he said.

Players Setting High Standards

Several players also shared personal goals for the upcoming season.

Knight hopes to serve as a positive influence on teammates throughout the year, while Klumpp wants to be a leader both on and off the field.

"My goal is to be the best teammate I can," Klumpp said. "Whether I'm on the field talking as much as possible or on the bench cheering everyone on, I want to be someone everyone can look up to and help keep our culture up as a team."

Poppy Kendrick-Jones, a left winger from the United Kingdom who is still exploring her academic options, said her focus is on confidence.

"I want to be confident both on and off the pitch," she said. "Just work hard in school and do my best with everything. Give 100 percent effort or more."

Zurita hopes to build on her previous season and continue improving every day.

"I felt last year I could have done more," she said. "I want to keep improving all the time and be someone others can look to as an example."

Ready for the Challenge

The Trailblazers feature a diverse roster that includes local standouts and international players from Spain and the United Kingdom. Combined with experienced leadership and a strong team-first mentality, Bernaix believes the foundation is in place for a memorable season.

"The soccer side is going to settle itself in, and we're going to be competitive with anyone," Bernaix said. "So far, I'm seeing signs of that. Definitely excited to get going."

With a challenging schedule ahead and the national tournament firmly in their sights, the 2026 Trailblazers are ready to test themselves against the nation's best and continue their climb toward championship contention.

For more information about Trailblazers women's soccer, contact head coach Justin Bernaix at [email protected].