5 Reasons Why Missouri State Women's Soccer Is The Hottest Program To Watch In CUSA

The Missouri State Women’s Soccer program has undergone a seismic shift, officially beginning a new era in Conference USA (CUSA) on July 1, 2025, after decades in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC). This move immediately positioned the Bears as a major contender, culminating in a historic run to the CUSA Championship Final in their inaugural season in the new league. The team's recent success is not a fluke; it is the result of strategic coaching, elite player development, and a fresh wave of talent arriving in Springfield, MO.

This article dives deep into the current state of the Missouri State Bears, analyzing the key players, the coaching philosophy, and the massive conference move that has set the stage for the program to become one of the most exciting teams in Division I soccer for the 2026 campaign and beyond. The momentum from the 2025 season has created unprecedented buzz around the squad.

The Architects of Success: Head Coach Kirk Nelson's Profile and Vision

The resurgence and strategic direction of the Missouri State Women’s Soccer program are inextricably linked to Head Coach Kirk Nelson. Nelson took the helm in December 2021, effective January 1, 2022, after serving as the team's associate head coach. His tenure has been marked by a focus on progressive, player-centric development, which has paid immediate dividends in the team's competitiveness.

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• Name: Kirk Nelson
• Current Position: Head Coach, Missouri State Women's Soccer
• Appointment: Named Head Coach on December 6, 2021 (Effective Jan 1, 2022)
• Previous Role: Associate Head Coach for the Bears program.
• Coaching Philosophy: Nelson integrates U.S. Soccer's modern coaching principles, specifically utilizing "Reality Based Learning" and "Experiential Learning" to develop players who can make quick, effective decisions under pressure.
• Key Staff: He is supported by a strong staff, including Associate Head Coach Cory Herchenroeder, and Assistant Coaches Christy Kononiuk and Sara Halilhodzic.

Nelson's vision extends beyond the field, emphasizing academic excellence and a robust recruiting pipeline. His ability to navigate the team's transition from the MVC to CUSA while maintaining a high level of performance is a testament to his leadership.

1. The Historic Conference USA Debut and Championship Run

The single biggest story for the Bears is their official transition to Conference USA (CUSA), effective July 1, 2025, after a long history in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC). This move immediately raised the program's profile and competitive ceiling. Their inaugural CUSA season in 2025 was nothing short of a Cinderella story.

Despite being picked to finish third in the CUSA Preseason Poll, the Bears proved they belonged. The team finished the regular season with an overall record of 7-9-4 (2-3-3 in conference play), but their true potential shone in the postseason tournament. As the No. 8 seed, Missouri State made a stunning run, including a major upset victory over the top-seeded WKU Hilltoppers with a 2-0 scoreline.

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The season culminated with the team reaching the CUSA Championship Final, where their historic run ultimately fell short in a 3-0 loss to the Liberty Lady Flames. Reaching the final in their first year in a new conference solidifies Missouri State as a formidable force and a program built for sustained success at the Division I level.

2. Star Power: Three All-Conference Players Leading the Charge

The Bears' success in 2025 was powered by a core group of talented student-athletes, three of whom earned CUSA postseason honors, showcasing the depth of talent under Coach Nelson.

Julia Kristensen: The First-Team All-CUSA Forward

Senior forward Julia Kristensen was the undisputed offensive leader, earning a prestigious spot on the All-Conference First Team. Kristensen led the team in scoring, finishing the 2025 season with 13 points on five goals and three assists, making her one of the most dangerous attacking threats in the entire conference.

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Abby Hansen and Maddie Schneiderhahn: All-Conference Second Team

The Bears were also well-represented on the All-Conference Second Team by two other key contributors: Abby Hansen and Maddie Schneiderhahn. Hansen was the team's second-leading scorer, tallying 10 points on three goals, while Schneiderhahn's presence was vital to the team's defensive and midfield structure. These three players formed the backbone of the historic championship run.

3. The Elite Transfer Class and Roster Depth for 2026

The program is not resting on its 2025 success. Head Coach Kirk Nelson has been aggressively building the roster for the upcoming 2026 campaign, focusing heavily on proven talent through the transfer portal. The announcement of an "Elite Transfer Class" of three Division I transfers signals the program's commitment to immediate competitiveness.

In addition to the transfers, the Bears have secured a strong freshman class, ensuring long-term depth and talent continuity. Notable newcomers include:

• Marleigh Allen (F, Eureka, Mo.)
• Ariya Barton (F, Columbia, Mo.)
• Tassia Curtis (D, Schomberg, Ontario, Canada)

This infusion of new talent will complement returning players like goalkeepers Joree Houdeshell and Ella Becker, and midfielder/defender Ellie Neath, ensuring a deep and competitive squad at Betty & Bobby Allison South Stadium.

4. A New Standard of Program Excellence

The shift to Conference USA has been more than just a change of opponents; it has been a catalyst for raising the standard of excellence across the entire program. The move was a strategic decision by the university and Director of Athletics Kyle Moats to elevate all athletic programs. The women's soccer team's immediate success in CUSA has set a high benchmark for the entire athletic department.

The 2025 season, with its 7-9-4 overall record and championship final appearance, demonstrated that the Bears can compete with the best in a stronger conference. The team's ability to upset higher seeds, including the No. 1 seed in the tournament, proves their mental toughness and tactical readiness. The program is now firmly established as a contender in CUSA, a reputation they will carry into the 2026 season and beyond.