By: GSU Athletic Communications
GRAMBLING, La. | The Grambling State University women's soccer team returns to the field today for its first home match of the 2026 season when the Lady Tigers take on East Texas A&M at the Ruston Sports Complex. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.
Today's match marks the first home contest of the season for Grambling State and the beginning of a new era under head coach Chris Logan.Â
Logan takes over the Lady Tigers following a historic 2025 campaign and will look to build on the momentum of one of the most successful seasons in program history.
Grambling State enters the 2026 season following a historic 2025 campaign that saw the Lady Tigers capture the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Tournament Championship and advance to the NCAA Division I Women's Soccer Tournament.
The Lady Tigers finished the 2025 season with 11 wins and put together an impressive 11-game unbeaten streak. Grambling State also ranked 16th in the nation in total goals, showcasing an explosive offensive attack throughout the season.
The successful campaign culminated with a SWAC Tournament Championship and an NCAA Tournament appearance.
The NCAA Tournament appearance marked Grambling State's second trip to the national tournament in three years.
Despite the coaching change, the Lady Tigers return several key pieces from last season's championship squad.Â
Grambling State brings back a strong defensive duo in
Kaylen Jankans and
Cariana Pou.Â
Jankans was named the 2026 SWAC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year and earned Preseason All-SWAC honors, while Pou returns as an important piece of the Lady Tigers back line.
Grambling State also returns
Olivia Kowall and Nyle Dore Anderson, who were both named to the 2026 Preseason All-SWAC Second Team.Â
Their experience will be important as the Lady Tigers adjust to a new coaching staff while looking to maintain the standard established during last season's championship run.
With a talented group of returners and new additions to the roster, Logan and the Lady Tigers open the 2026 home schedule looking to start the new era on a strong note against East Texas A&M.
East Texas A&M enters Thursday's matchup after finishing the 2025 season with a 7-8-4 overall record and a 4-2-4 mark in Southland Conference play.Â
The Lions finished the season with a 5-4-1 record at home and advanced to the Southland Conference Tournament, where they fell to Houston Christian in the quarterfinals.Â
East Texas A&M also defeated Grambling State, 2-1, during the 2025 regular season.
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