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Kenyon College Athletics

Danny Kankam
Graham Stokes

2026 men's soccer preview

GAMBIER, OHIO- The Kenyon College men's soccer team has begun to prepare for the 2026-27 season as the program looks to build on last year's efforts. This team is returning with more experience, grit, and a desire to repeat previous success at the conference and national level. With both a strong offense and disciplined defense, this young Owls roster is ready to take the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) by storm. 

2025 Review
  • 7-4-7 overall record; 3-2-4 at home and 4-2-3 at away sites
  • 3-2-3 record in conference matchups, finishing fourth in NCAC standings with a total of 12 points and trailing first place DePauw (18), second place Denison (17), and third place Wooster (13)
  • Five All-Conference recipients
  • One NCAC Newcomer of the Year Award selectee
  • Three College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team recipients
  • One All-Region player
  • One All-Ohio Team honoree
Coaching Staff
Head coach, Travis Wall, will be leading this team in 2026 for his fourth year. With two NCAA Tournament appearances and a regular-season title under his belt, Wall looks to propel the team into a successful season focused on energy and ambition.

"We've been waiting a long time to get this season going and are excited that it's finally here," exclaims Wall. "We have a strong group of returning players who bring a good level of experience and familiarity with playing in close games. At the same time, we've welcomed a talented group of newcomers who can bring fresh energy and new qualities to the team."

Assistant coach, Billy Castro, will continue in his role for a second year helping guide the Owls to a top spot in the league.

NCAC Preseason Poll Recap
The NCAC preseason poll was released on August 25th, placing Kenyon in the No. 3 spot (57 pts). The recognition is a testament to this team's consistent execution on the pitch and plans to build on success from previous years. Seeded second in the NCAC poll was Denison University with 73 points, just behind DePauw University, picked first with 75 points.
 
Returning All-Conference Honorees
Last year's NCAC Newcomer of the Year and First-team All-Conference selection, Jack Commandeur, returns for the Owls as a sophomore and looks to continue his role on defense. He helped the team secure five shutouts last season and limit the goals against average to an average of 1.00 per game. In addition to his defensive responsibilities, Commandeur was dominant in the air and had a huge impact on the field offensively contributing six goals. The second-team All-Conference selections Lucas de Alacron, Joey Nigro, and Grant Blake, will return to the field this fall as well. de Alacron will be one of nine upperclassmen on the roster, contributing experience and skill. Last season, he played in all 18 games, started 12 of them, and recorded a pair of goals. Now a sophomore, Nigro will look to use his athleticism in the midfield to contribute both offensively and defensively. He played in all 18 games last season, started 10 of them, and recorded a pair of assists. Blake, a sophomore defender, will play a lead role in the discipline of the Owl defense. In addition to Commandeur, Blake made a huge impact in the multi-clean sheet season and totaled 1,381 minutes on the year.

Returning Statistical Leaders
Jack Commandeur will return for the Owls this fall after leading the team with 13 points last season as a first-year player. He competed as a defender in all 18 games and started the last nine of them, playing 993 minutes total. Netting six goals, Commandeur led the team in scoring with just 10 shots on goal and added in one assist. Grant Blake led the team in total minutes played, racking up 1,381 minutes in 17 games, which he consistently started. He contributed a goal and an assist for a combined 3 points on the season. An upcoming senior on the rise, Moustapha Gassama contributed 6 points last year for the Owls, scoring two goals and racking up two assists. He competed in 14 games, starting nine of them, and played 836 minutes total.

Schedule Overview
  • Season & Home Opener: Tuesday, September 1 vs. Ohio Northern University (4:30 pm)
  • NCAC Opener: Saturday, October 3 vs DePauw University (2:30 pm) **alumni weekend

How to Follow
Kenyon soccer fans can follow along throughout the season via the following:
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