The Kansas women’s soccer team is headed back to the NCAA Tournament for the second time in two tries under head coach Nate Lie.
The big difference between last year’s NCAA Touranment run and this year’s, however, was that this time around there was no drama surrounding the selection show.
Not only did the Jayhawks (14-5-3) know they were in this year. They also knew that, barring one of the biggest shocks in postseason soccer history, they would be hosting a first-round match.
That’s exactly how things played on on Monday, with Lie’s Jayhawks earning a No. 3 seed and a matchup with Cal Baptist in the opening round on Friday night.
Kickoff for that one is slated for 6 p.m. at Rock Chalk Park.
KU enters the NCAA Tournament on the heels of a second straight appearance in the Big 12 tournament title game.
The Jayhawks lost that one, 1-0 to BYU on Saturday, turning away their bid for back-to-back Big 12 tourney titles. But after claiming the conference hardware and falling in a Round 1 NCAA Tournament match at St. Louis last year, the Jayhawks are hoping to flip their fortunes this year.
Getting an NCAA Tournament game at home is a big part of them believing that can happen, and the 3 seed and the home match are both firsts for Lie as a head coach.
“Last year, we got thrown into the deep end a little bit,” Lie said after Monday’s selection show. “As we transitioned from last year to this year, one of our goals was to come back. So, from Day 1 that’s something we were working toward and I’m so happy and proud that we accomplished it.”
Kansas finished the season at No. 7 in the final regular-season RPI rankings, an indicator of both a strong season and smart scheduling.
Half of the teams on KU’s 2025 schedule — conference and non-conference — also heard their name called during Monday’s NCAA Tournament selection show, and both Lie and his players said knowing that they were challenged and pushed by some of the best teams in the country from start to finish this season allowed them to play with confidence and a sense of belonging week in and week out.
Before last week’s Big 12 title game against BYU, Lie hammered home that message to his team, reminding them, “We’re good. Make someone beat us. It’s our title until someone takes it.”
BYU, which earned a No. 5 seed in the NCAA Tournament, did exactly that, but the Jayhawks’ mindset of being a team to be reckoned with is something that has been there consistently all season.
“I think we’ve had a really good lead-up to the postseason,” first-team all-Big 12 selection Caroline Castans said Monday. “And it helps us realize that we’re prepared to be in this and ready to fight.”
Added fellow-first-teamer Lexi Watts, who led the Jayhawks with 10 goals this season: “We’re just super-excited to be here, playing at home. It’s a huge advantage for the first game. It was big knowing that it was going to be a home game and we’re gonna have the advantage, but (we also want to) use that advantage and come to play.”
KU was 6-3-2 at Rock Chalk Park this season, with the draws coming against NCAA Tournament teams Florida State (a 3 seed) and West Virginia (a 7 seed). The three home losses also came against NCAA Tournament teamas, including TCU, which earned one of four No. 1 seeds.
While they had plenty of good moments on their home field, Lie and his players said they’re still looking for that signature win at home to replace the 4-1 thrashing of in-state rival Kansas State.
“The fans keep coming out and supporting us and I keep wanting to give them that Hallmark moment,” Lie said. “This could be our last match at home. Probably will be our last match at home. So, we’re gonna ask the community to come support us, and we’re gonna do our best to make ‘em proud.”
As for what they learned from last year’s experience — a first for the program since 2019 — Castans said success really comes down to being comfortable playing in the do-or-die nature of postseason soccer.
“It’s just exciting,” she said. “Just coming back from a weeklong travel trip, it’s especially nice to be home this week. And I’m just so excited because we didn’t get to have that last year and it’s gonna be a really fun experience. Just go in not thinking it’s an NCAA Tournament game. Yes, a lot’s on the line, but don’t be nervous (and) give everything you’ve got because it’s really win or lose, it’s your last chance.”
Win Friday — kickoff is slated for 6 p.m. on ESPN+ — and the Jayhawks would advance to Round 2, most likely on the home field of No. 2 seed Duke, the following week. KU’s second-round opponent, should they get there, would be the winner of the match between No. 6 seed Louisville and Cardinals rival Kentucky.
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