You know that feeling when you walk into Stone Stadium on a Sunday night? The humidity is finally breaking, the lights are blindingly bright, and there’s that specific kind of energy you only get when Shelley Smith has a Top 20 team on the pitch. Honestly, if you aren't paying attention to the south carolina women's soccer schedule, you’re missing out on some of the most consistent high-level sports in the Palmetto State.
Last season wasn't just another year. It was a grind.
The Gamecocks didn't just play a "schedule"—they survived a gauntlet. We’re talking about a 2025 campaign that saw them face off against powerhouses like Ohio State and Duke before they even touched SEC play. People always ask me why the non-conference stuff matters so much. It’s basically because the NCAA selection committee has a long memory. You don't get a seven-seed in the tournament by beating up on nobodies. You get it by going into Clemson and fighting for a 0-0 draw when the crowd is screaming in your ear.
Breaking Down the South Carolina Women's Soccer Schedule
The 2025 slate was a monster. Looking back, the season kicked off with some exhibition drama. They headed to Furman on August 3rd and then hosted Duke at home on the 8th. Most teams treat exhibitions like a light jog. Not Carolina.
Once the "real" games started, the pace was relentless.
August 14th took them to Charleston, where they gutted out a 1-0 win. If you were there, you saw Sophie Johnson bury a shot from outside the 18-yard box in the second half. It wasn't pretty, but it was three points on the road. Then came the home opener at "The Graveyard" (Stone Stadium) against USF on August 17th. A 3-1 win. Katie Shea Collins basically decided she wasn't losing that night, scoring a brace in the second half to seal it.
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The schedule didn't let up. They hosted Ohio State and Miami (Ohio) in the same week. They won both. By the time they hit the road for the Clemson game on August 28th, the Gamecocks were ranked #12 in the country. That rivalry game is always a bloodbath, and a scoreless draw was probably a fair result for both sides, even if it left fans wanting more.
Key Matchups That Defined the Season
The SEC portion of the south carolina women's soccer schedule is where the real stress begins. The conference is deeper than it’s ever been, especially with the newer additions.
- Alabama (Sept 11): A massive 2-1 road win in Tuscaloosa.
- Arkansas (Oct 2): This was arguably the game of the year at Stone Stadium. The Razorbacks were ranked #7 at the time. It ended in a 2-2 tie, but the intensity felt like a Final Four match.
- Texas (Oct 9): A absolute blowout. 5-1. People expected a tight game with the Longhorns being the "new kids" in the SEC, but the Gamecocks just dismantled them.
- Vanderbilt (Oct 26): This was a tough 1-0 loss at home to end the regular season. It was a reminder that in this league, anyone can beat you if you blink.
Why the Post-Season Felt Different
The 2025 SEC Tournament in Pensacola started with a thud—a 2-0 loss to Alabama. It was one of those games where the ball just wouldn't go in. But the body of work was enough. When the NCAA bracket came out, the Gamecocks found themselves heading to Winston-Salem to face Wake Forest.
It ended in a 2-1 heartbreak on November 14th.
It’s easy to look at that and feel disappointed, but look at the context. This team played a schedule that included Georgetown, Ohio State, Arkansas, and Duke. They finished the regular season with only a handful of losses. Coach Shelley Smith and Jamie Smith have built a culture where "making the tournament" isn't the goal—it's the baseline expectation.
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The Impact of the Home Crowd
You can't talk about the south carolina women's soccer schedule without talking about Stone Stadium. Attendance for the USF game was over 5,300. That’s insane for college soccer.
The stadium environment actually dictates how the schedule plays out. When opponents see "at South Carolina" on their calendar, they know they’re walking into a hornets' nest. The fans are right on top of the field. You've got the student section making life miserable for the visiting keeper. Honestly, it’s one of the best home-field advantages in the country, and the 2025 home record proved it once again.
What to Watch for in 2026
If you’re already looking ahead, the 2026 schedule is going to follow a similar pattern. Expect the big ACC rivals early. Expect the SEC to be even more crowded at the top.
Keep an eye on the returning roster. While some seniors like Kinley Brown and Taylor Bloom have moved on, the core is still there. Sophomore Katie Shea Collins is likely to be the focal point of the offense. If she keeps developing at this rate, she's going to be a nightmare for SEC defenders.
Also, watch the goalkeeping situation. Christina Tsaousis and Maria Kemp have provided a lot of stability, but there’s always room for a new face to step up during the spring season and claim that #1 spot.
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Actionable Tips for Fans
If you're planning to follow the team this coming year, don't just show up for the Clemson game.
- Buy a season pass early. They’re incredibly cheap compared to football or basketball, and you get better seats the earlier you commit.
- Follow the mid-week games. The Thursday night SEC matches are often more tactical and intense than the Sunday afternoon games.
- Check the weather. Seriously. Stone Stadium can be a furnace in August and a wind tunnel in October. Plan accordingly.
- Watch the SEC Network+ broadcasts. If you can’t make it to Columbia, the production quality has gotten much better. It's a great way to keep up with road matches in places like Texas or Oklahoma.
The bottom line? The south carolina women's soccer schedule is a testament to how far this program has come. They aren't just "good for a mid-tier sport." They are a national powerhouse that expects to be in the conversation for a College Cup every single year. Whether you’re a die-hard soccer fan or just someone who wants to support the Gamecocks, getting a seat at Stone Stadium is one of the best ways to spend an evening.
Go ahead and mark those August dates on your calendar now. You'll thank yourself when the season kicks off and the energy returns to the corner of Whaley and Heyward.
Next Steps for Gamecock Fans:
Check the official athletics site for the final 2026 spring schedule release, as these exhibition matches are the best way to see the new freshmen and transfers in action before the high-stakes fall season begins.