5 Shocking Takeaways From Conference USA Women's Soccer: The 12 Teams Dominating The 2025 Season

The landscape of Conference USA (CUSA) Women's Soccer has been completely reshaped as of the 2024-2025 season cycle, introducing a new era of competitive intensity and surprising champions. With a significant membership expansion and a shocking postseason tournament result, the league is no longer defined by its traditional powers. The 2025 season, which kicks off in August, promises a fierce battle for the championship, fueled by new rivalries and a host of elite returning talent.

This article dives into the most crucial, up-to-date information, including the definitive 12-team lineup and the key players who have already made history, providing a fresh and unique look at one of college soccer's most dynamic conferences.

The New CUSA Women's Soccer Power Structure: 12 Teams for 2025

The Conference USA Women's Soccer league has officially expanded to 12 member institutions for the 2025 season, a move driven by recent collegiate realignment. This influx of new teams and the establishment of new rivalries guarantee a highly unpredictable season.

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The 12 teams vying for the 2025 CUSA Regular Season and Tournament Championships are:

• Delaware Blue Hens: A new member for the 2025 season, bringing a fresh competitive energy from the CAA.
• FIU Panthers (Florida International): The reigning 2024 CUSA Tournament Champions.
• Jacksonville State Gamecocks (Jax State): A consistent presence in the conference, looking to climb the standings.
• Kennesaw State Owls: Joined the conference recently, adding to the competitive depth.
• Louisiana Tech Lady Techsters (LA Tech): A program known for its grit and tough conference schedule.
• Liberty Flames: The 2024 Regular Season Co-Champions and a perennial powerhouse.
• Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders (MTSU): A top-tier team with strong award-winning players.
• Missouri State Bears: One of the newest additions, expected to challenge the established order.
• New Mexico State Aggies (NM State): A team focused on building momentum in the expanded league.
• Sam Houston Bearkats: Finished high in the 2024 standings and remains a threat.
• UTEP Miners: Looking to make a splash in the new 12-team format.
• Western Kentucky Lady Toppers (WKU): 2024 Regular Season Co-Champions and a consistent title contender.

The 5 Shocking Takeaways from the 2024 Season

The 2024 Conference USA Women's Soccer season was a whirlwind of upsets, shared glory, and historic firsts. The results have completely recalibrated expectations for the 2025 season, making it clear that no team can be overlooked.

1. FIU's Historic Postseason Upset

The biggest shockwave of the 2024 season came from the Conference USA Tournament Championship. Despite Liberty Flames being the defending champions and a top seed, the FIU Panthers, led by Coach Jonathan Garbar, pulled off a stunning upset.

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FIU defeated Liberty, 1-0, in the final match, securing their first-ever CUSA Postseason Championship in program history. This victory not only earned the Panthers the coveted automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament but also cemented their status as the new postseason force to watch, especially since they also clinched a share of the Regular Season Championship.

2. The Reign of Liberty's Superlative Trio

While the Liberty Flames fell short in the tournament final, their dominance in individual player awards was unparalleled, highlighting their sheer talent depth. The Flames swept the top three non-Freshman Superlative Awards for the 2024 season, a rare feat that underscores their technical superiority.

The key award winners from Liberty were:

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• Ivy Garner: CUSA Player of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year.
• Lauren Littleton: CUSA Defensive Player of the Year.
• Peyton Huber: CUSA Goalkeeper of the Year.

This trio, combined with Coach Jonathan Garbar's success at FIU, sets up a fascinating rivalry for 2025, pitting Liberty's individual talent against FIU's proven championship mentality.

3. Co-Champion Chaos in the Regular Season

The 2024 regular season proved just how competitive the league has become, resulting in a split title. The Liberty Flames and the Western Kentucky Lady Toppers (WKU) finished with identical 6-0-2 conference records, earning them the title of CUSA Regular Season Co-Champions.

WKU's success was spearheaded by their own award-winning talent, including Midfielder of the Year Georgia Liapis, and was recognized with Coach Jason Neidell also receiving high praise, showcasing the parity at the top of the conference standings. This co-championship sets the stage for WKU to be a major factor in the 2025 Preseason Poll. (Note: The 2025 Preseason Poll selected Liberty as the favorite.)

4. The Rise of New Power Centers

The 2024 season saw the emergence of new programs ready to challenge the established elite. Sam Houston and MTSU both finished the regular season with strong 5-2-1 records, making them legitimate contenders for the 2025 title.

MTSU's success was highlighted by a strong showing in the all-conference teams, with players like Risui Arasaki, Lexi Dendis, and Aireona Duenez earning honors. This depth of talent ensures that the 2025 conference schedule will be a grueling test for every team, with potential upsets lurking in every fixture.

5. Conference Expansion and the Newcomer Threat

The addition of new member schools, including Delaware and Missouri State, is perhaps the most significant long-term takeaway. These teams, alongside Kennesaw State, Jacksonville State, and UTEP, represent a major geographical and competitive expansion.

Delaware, for instance, enters the CUSA with a strong 2024 finish in their former conference, indicating they are not a program to be overlooked. The integration of these new members will completely redefine the conference tournament's seeding and bracket structure, adding layers of unpredictability to the hunt for the NCAA Tournament bid.

Key Players and LSI Entities to Watch in 2025

The 2025 season will feature a host of elite talent, many of whom were recognized for their outstanding 2024 performance. These individuals will be crucial in determining the final CUSA Women's Soccer standings and the conference champion.

Top CUSA Women's Soccer Entities (2024-2025)

• Ivy Garner (Liberty): Reigning Offensive Player of the Year and Preseason All-Conference Team member.
• Lauren Littleton (Liberty): Dominant Defensive Player of the Year.
• Peyton Huber (Liberty): Goalkeeper of the Year, providing a formidable last line of defense.
• Jonathan Garbar (FIU Head Coach): Led the Panthers to their historic 2024 Tournament Championship.
• Georgia Liapis (WKU): Midfielder of the Year, a crucial playmaker for the Lady Toppers.
• Valery Restrepo (FIU): A key Preseason All-Conference GK for 2025.
• Sallie Garner (Liberty): A defensive anchor named to the 2025 Preseason All-Conference Team.
• Risui Arasaki (MTSU): All-Conference performer whose scoring will be essential for the Blue Raiders.
• Lexi Dendis (MTSU): A highly-touted freshman from the 2024 class, expected to continue her breakout.
• Makenna Egan (WKU): Another top-tier Freshman of the Year candidate, showcasing WKU's future.

With the 2025 CUSA Women's Soccer season set to begin on Thursday, August 14, the stage is set for an intense and competitive campaign. The balance of power has shifted, and the expanded 12-team format ensures that the road to the NCAA Tournament will be the most challenging in CUSA history.