ODESSA, Texas (August 4, 2025) – Since being named the Head Women's Soccer Coach at The University of Texas Permian Basin in January of this year, Coach Garrett Kull and his staff have been hard at work and will be setting a new program record before they step foot on the pitch next Fall. The program will welcome in 17 new additions this Fall, with 13 of those players being incoming freshmen, surpassing the previous program high-mark of 15 players set by the 2016 Falcons. After the conclusion of last season, the Falcons have graduated 11 players with others electing to transfer from the university.

Coach Kull spoke to the challenge of adding such a large class.

"It was obviously our number one priority to identify not only talented players, but players we felt we could build a strong culture with," said Kull. "We feel excited about the players we have coming in because we believe they all fit our identity and want to help build this program. It was a lot of hard work, but we emphasized as a staff and team to really identify and understand each recruit for who they are and what they can bring to us next Fall. Each will play a different role for us on and off the field, but we feel confident this group can help change the course of the program. I believe it says a lot about the program, facilities, university and area to be able to attract so many outstanding players to UTPB."

The 13 incoming freshmen arriving to UTPB next Fall are comprised from most of the major cities in Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. Most of whom have experience at the Elite Club National League (ECNL), Elite Club Regional League (ECRL), and were standouts at the high school level. Kull spoke to the impact he expects these freshmen to make.

"We definitely had an emphasis on wanting to bring in some younger talent that we can grow and develop," continued Kull. "It was important for us to reestablish ties locally, within the state and regionally, which we felt we accomplished. We are very confident that each of these young women know the expectations for them to be a part of the UTPB program. There is also an expectation that some will be expected to make an immediate impact on the field. We did not set out to try and make program history, but we were fortunate to connect with so many great players and people."

The remainder of the class includes transfers from the NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II and NAIA levels. Kull said he expects a lot of these transfers to be able to come in and play immediately. He also spoke to the challenges of bringing in transfers.

"Transfers are a big part of recruiting now because they help address areas of concern within a squad more immediately," said Kull. "The approach is very different because they have already been through the recruiting process before and are searching for something different. Their real asset is being able to bring their experience into the locker room and speak to how different programs operate, how to manage the challenge of a collegiate season, and how they can bring new ideas and standards to the program."

Over the next few weeks, we will be announcing each group of commits in our "Summer Commitment Series":

• August 11 – Lone Star State Shines for Falcons
• August 13 – Out of State Ties Falcons to the Southwest
• August 15 – Transfers Bring New Identity to Falcons

UTPB will open up their preseason camp on August 18, with an intersquad scrimmage scheduled for August 30. The Falcons will then welcome Colorado State University–Pueblo on September 4 for both their home opener and season opener.