Pine Bluff, AR - The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff women's soccer program is set to open a new chapter in 2026, and the Lady Lions are ready to hit the pitch with a schedule that blends non-conference tests with a full slate of Southwestern Athletic Conference play. This upcoming season carries extra significance as it marks the first year under newly named head coach Fred Locario, who takes the reins of the program looking to establish his own identity and set the tone for what's ahead.
The 2026 slate kicks off on August 10 with a home matchup against Williams Baptist, giving the Lady Lions a chance to open on their own turf. From there, the non-conference stretch rolls on with a home date against Nicholls State on August 15, followed by road trips to Wiley College on August 21 and Central Baptist on August 25. The non-conference portion wraps up on August 29 with a home game against United States Sports University (USSU).
September brings a mix of road and home action as the Lady Lions travel to Northwestern State on September 10, host Nevada on September 13, hit the road again for Tulsa on September 20, and welcome Texas Southern to Pine Bluff on September 27 to open SWAC play at home.
October is loaded with conference matchups that will shape the Lady Lions' postseason positioning. They travel to Southern on October 1 and Alcorn State on October 8, before returning home to face Jackson State on October 11. The road continues with a trip to Alabama State on October 22, then it's back home for Alabama A&M on October 25. UAPB closes out the month on the road at Grambling State on October 30.
The regular season wraps up on November 5 with a home matchup against Prairie View A&M, setting the stage for the SWAC Soccer Championship on November 12, where the Lady Lions will look to make their mark on the conference tournament stage.
With a new head coach at the helm and a schedule that tests the team both at home and on the road, the Lady Lions are gearing up for a 2026 campaign that will help define the Fred Locario era at UAPB. Fans can follow along all season by keeping up with @UAPBLionsSoccer for updates, game day info, and more.
