CARROLLTON, Ga.-The UWG Department of Athletics, alongside the United Athletic Conference, announced today the finalized 2026 soccer schedule, featuring 17 matches in the program's third year of Division I competition and the third season under head coach Mallory Sayre.

This marks the Wolves' first season competing in the United Athletic Conference (UAC) after transitioning from the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN). The 2026 slate includes nine home matches at University Soccer Field, eight road contests, and 10 conference matches to close out the regular season.

"We are excited for the opportunities and challenges that come with entering a new conference," said head coach Mallory Sayre. "This schedule will push us in a lot of different ways, but our team is eager to compete and continue building this program."

UWG opens the 2026 campaign on the road in Jacksonville, Alabama on Wednesday, August 12 at 6 p.m. against Jacksonville State, marking the third consecutive season the Wolves have opened the year against the Gamecocks. Last season's meeting between the two programs came down to the wire, featuring three goals scored in the final three minutes of action.

The Wolves then return to Carrollton for their home opener on Sunday, August 16 at 6 p.m. against Mercer. The Bears advanced to the Southern Conference Championship match last season, and the 2026 meeting will mark the second all-time matchup between the two programs and Mercer's first trip to the City of Dreams.

West Georgia then heads north to Tennessee on Thursday, August 20 at 6 p.m. for a matchup against ETSU. The contest will mark UWG's first appearance at Summers-Taylor Stadium.

Returning home for a three-match homestand, the Wolves first welcome Middle Tennessee State on Sunday, August 23 at 1 p.m. West Georgia then hosts Western Carolina on Sunday, September 6 at 1 p.m. before wrapping up the stretch against Georgia State on Thursday, September 10 at 7 p.m. In last season's meeting with the Panthers, Emily Sanabria recorded a career-high 14 saves.

"We wanted to put together a schedule that prepares us for conference play and gives our players the chance to compete against strong competition every night," added Sayre. "Playing quality opponents at home and on the road will help us continue to grow as a team."

The Wolves remain in-state for their next road match, traveling to Kennesaw on Sunday, September 13 at 6 p.m. for a showdown with Kennesaw State. The meeting will be the first between the two programs in the Division I era and the first matchup overall in 20 years, dating back to the 2006 season.

Conference play begins on Thursday, September 24 at 6 p.m. with UWG hosting North Alabama in its first-ever UAC match. The Lions are also transitioning from the ASUN into the UAC.

For their first conference road match, the Wolves travel to Richmond, Kentucky on Sunday, September 27 at 1 p.m. to face EKU, another former ASUN member making the move to the UAC.

The Wolves then return home for another three-match homestand, beginning against Austin Peay on Sunday, October 4 at 1 p.m. UWG will also host Little Rock on Thursday, October 8 at 6 p.m. before concluding the stretch against Central Arkansas on Sunday, October 11 at 1 p.m.

West Georgia closes the regular season with four of its final five matches away from home, beginning with the program's longest road swing of the season. The Wolves open the three-match trip in Abilene, Texas on Thursday, October 15 at 8 p.m. against Abilene Christian, marking the first match played by the program in the state of Texas. UWG then travels to Stephenville on Sunday, October 18 at 2 p.m. ET to face Tarleton State before wrapping up the trip in Clarksville, Tennessee on Sunday, October 25 at 2 p.m. against Austin Peay in the second meeting between the teams during the season.

UWG's final home match of the regular season comes on Thursday, October 29 at 6 p.m. against EKU in the second meeting between the two conference opponents.

The Wolves conclude the regular season in Florence, Alabama on Sunday, November 1 at 2 p.m. against North Alabama, facing the Lions in both their opening and closing conference matches of the season.

"Our players have worked incredibly hard this offseason, and there's a lot of excitement surrounding this group," said Sayre. "Entering a new conference adds another level of motivation, and we can't wait to get started in August."

Save the date for the Wolves' home opener on Sunday, August 16 at 6 p.m. as UWG welcomes Mercer to University Soccer Field to kick off the program's third season competing at the Division I level. Fans can stay connected with West Georgia women's soccer throughout the offseason by following @uwgsoccer on Instagram and @UWGSoccer on X.