The wait is over.

The University of Lethbridge Pronghorns are ready to get back on the field, with men's soccer, women's soccer and women's rugby 15s all kicking off their Canada West seasons this weekend.

Each team comes into the season with a different story, but there's a similar feeling across the programs: excitement about what's ahead.

For men's soccer, it's about taking another step. For women's soccer, it's about building on a year of learning. And for rugby, it's about new players stepping into bigger roles. Men's soccer is the first of the three programs to hit the field, opening the season on the road against the Saskatchewan Huskies on September 4 at 7 p.m.

The team enters the season ranked No. 8 in the Canada West preseason coaches poll. With a young roster, fourth-year captain and midfielder Ben Gingras will provide valuable leadership and experience as the team continues to grow throughout the season. His experience and leadership will be especially important for a team looking to take the next step in the Canada West postseason.

Head coach Christopher McKaig knows the Pronghorns will have plenty of challenges ahead, but he likes the mindset of his group.

"We have a hungry group of players who are eager to get going together," McKaig said. "We will accept the challenge of being an underdog in most of the matches we play. Our key will be to use every day as an opportunity to grow together and get ready for the next challenge."

The Pronghorns will get their first chance to put that mindset into action Friday night in Saskatoon.

Ben Gingras
Midfield | 4th Year | Edmonton, AB

The women's soccer team will open its season at home, hosting the Mount Royal University Cougars on September 5 and 6, with both matches set for 2 p.m.

The Pronghorns enter the season ranked No. 15 in the Canada West preseason coaches poll and are heading into year two under head coach Cedric Bovon. With a strong core returning, the Pronghorns have a better understanding of the system and what it takes to compete at this level.

Now, they want to turn that experience into progress.

"Our keys to success at Lethbridge this year will be to generate more offense and being clinical in transition on both sides of the ball," Bovon said. "With a consistent core returning, and some new talent infused into the group, we are keen to make a statement of improvement from last year."

Third-year midfielder Chiara Duenser will be one to watch as the Pronghorns look to take that next step.

Chiara Duenser
Midfield | 3rd Year | Dornbirn, Austria

For women's rugby, the season brings a different kind of opportunity.

The Pronghorns enter the 2026 season ranked No. 3 in the Canada West preseason coaches poll, following last year's run to the Canada West bronze medal match. With nine seniors graduating from last season's team, returning players and incoming players will have the opportunity to step into bigger leadership roles.

The Pronghorns will open their Canada West campaign on the road, travelling to Calgary to face the Calgary Dinos on September 5 at 4 p.m.

"We are excited to get the season underway. We graduated nine senior players last season which creates leadership opportunities for incoming and returning players. The players have worked hard over the off-season and we are developing a style of play that matches the profile of our team. Canada West is a highly competitive competition which creates opportunities to go head-to-head with the top teams in the country," head coach Graeme Moffat said.

With Canada West providing a chance to compete against some of the best university rugby teams in the country every week, the Pronghorns will look to build on last season's success and continue growing as a group.

Third-year wing/centre Millie Teskey will be one to watch as the Pronghorns begin their season.

Millie Teskey
Wing/Centre | 3rd Year | Cochrane, AB

Teskey is a well-rounded and versatile player who brings skill, experience and a strong work ethic to the Pronghorns. Her ability to contribute across the field and consistently support her teammates makes her an important part of the team as the Horns continue to grow and compete at a high level.

Check out the full Canada West preseason coaches polls at canadawest.org.

The season starts now.