Women's Soccer | August 28, 2026

MORROW, Ga. – The Clayton State University women's soccer team opens its 2026 season on Sunday at Laker Field.  Second year head coach Ricky Clarke is looking to improve upon the 2025 season. 
 
MATCH DETAILS
Sunday, August 30^th | 3 p.m. | First 50 students receive a 2026 schedule poster

• Opponent: Emmanuel (Ga.) (0-1-0) (Conference Carolinas)
• Tickets are available at the gate for $10 for adults (13+) and $5 for children (5-12)
• Clayton State Students and children under five are free
• Watch | Live Stats

 
LAST YEAR
The Lakers finished the 2025 season with an overall record of 4-11-2 and went 3-6-1 in the Peach Belt Conference. Last year also saw the Lakers reach their seventh straight PBC Tournament, ultimately, falling in the Quarterfinals to North Georgia, 3-0.  The Lakers picked up wins over USCA and Middle Georgia last season in the PBC.  Earlier this month, the Peach Belt Coaches picked the Lakers to finish ninth of 10 teams.
 
IMPACT PLAYERS
The Lakers return impact players Karley Perry and Aniyah Vargas.  Perry and Vargas combined for five goals and four assists last year and also, they shared the team lead with 24 shots, apiece.  Vargas scored four of those five goals.  Both Vargas and Perry played in all 17 matches. On the defensive side of the ball, Claire Smith and Rubie Kelley both return for Clayton State.  Smith and Kelley shared time in net last season.  Those two Lakers combined for four shutouts and a GAA of 2.01.  Smith led the team with 57 saves while Rubie snuffed out 54 shots. 
 
NEWCOMERS
Coach Clarke welcomed 17 newcomers for the upcoming season.  Highlighting this class of newcomers are Ellie Barrett, Jael Bruhlmeier, Holly Jones, Lofton Pickett, and Emory Kennett.  Coach Clarke is going to these individuals to make an immediate impact.  Read the full release with all the newcomers at this link HERE.
 
COACHING STAFF 
Coach Ricky Clarke is entering his second season at the helm for the Lakers.  Clarke went 4-11-2 last season and came to Clayton State from the NWSL club, Houston Dash.  Clarke retained Assistant Coach Miah Hipp for this season and added a pair of talented coaches in Mei Hayashizaki and Tracy Wolf.  Hayashizaki comes to Clayton State after serving as an Assistant Coach at Western Colorado University.  Wolf comes to Clayton State while also working with Atlanta United.  This staff is well equipped to do good things for this season. 
 
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