We are two days away from the first exhibition match of the Bobby Shuttleworth era of Texas A&M Soccer. The Aggies host UIW at Ellis Field this Wednesday (7 p.m., free admission) followed by a trip to Texas for another preseason matchup (Saturday, 7 p.m.).
Shuttleworth, Emma Hoang and Kat Campbell spent time with the media prior to Monday's practice as the first match week of the season is here. We've got some of the highlights here--and you can watch the entire interviews below.
We play soccer this month. 🤩 pic.twitter.com/IuhDXA7EPT
— Texas A&M Soccer (@AggieSoccer) August 1, 2026
The Big 3
- Importance of exhibition matches in year one. Shuttleworth doesn't see any more importance on this year's preseason matches simply because it's the first year of a new program. It's more about the process. "I talk a lot about every day. We've got to come into training physically and mentally prepared and make sure that we're ready to train properly. For us, it's good to play against another opponent and not have to play against ourselves and deal with different formations and different players that we haven't seen before. But I think it's no different than any day that we show up on the training field."
- Renewed confidence. Returning starter Kat Campbell, a junior midfielder, was asked if maybe she feels more confident going into this season than she did last year at this time. "Yeah, I think so. I think we have a really good group. A lot of freshmen have come in early to make a really big impact, and then obviously having Bobby and a new staff here, the excitement level has been super high. (There's) just really good energy around the team and I feel like we're confident and ready to face what's next."
- Chemistry class. Sophomore Emma Hoang, who appeared in 10 matches in 2025, is one of a handful of returning players on a roster that looks much different than it did 12 months ago. So how's the team chemistry been heading into the start of the season? "I think Bobby and the coaches did such a good job with their recruiting that all the players that we've gotten--all the girls, all the freshmen even coming in--we've all had great chemistry because they know who to look for in players and what's going to work for A&M. So I don't think it's been too difficult and we've all adjusted pretty well."
The Aggies and UIW kick at 7 p.m. Wednesday--both admission and parking are free. Fans are welcome to bring their own snacks and water will also be available for purchase.
Following the Texas exhibition, the season opener will be at Rice on Wednesday, August 12 as the first of three road matches to kick off the 2026 campaign. The home opener is set for Saturday, August 22 against Sam Houston.