University of the Pacific will introduce men’s and women’s soccer development teams in athletics starting fall 2026. 

The new initiative expands competitive opportunities for students and supports Pacific’s commitment to athletic development, fitness, academic success and increased campus engagement.

“We’re thrilled to introduce developmental teams for both our men’s and women’s soccer programs,” Director of Athletics Adam Tschuor said. “These teams will serve as a bridge between our varsity program and our student body while also providing the opportunity to serve a variety of motivations for prospective students at Pacific, from those who aspire to continue improving their skillset and compete to those who are just looking to stay connected to the game and stay fit.”

Student-athletes on the development teams will compete against local and regional teams while receiving first-class instruction from Pacific varsity soccer coaching staff. These programs will serve as pilot programs for future development teams under the umbrella of Pacific’s other varsity programs and beyond. 

“With opportunities for athletics participation becoming increasingly limited nationally due to budget constraints, roster caps and shifting priorities, concepts like these will become ever more important to providing not just participation opportunities but new and different experiences as well,” Tschuor said. 

The new development teams will adhere to the same coaching philosophies and standards as the varsity programs. The expanded roster also supports Pacific’s broader enrollment and student engagement strategies by welcoming more students to campus through competitive collegiate athletics.

“This initiative is about building community and creating meaningful opportunities for our students,” said Head Men’s Soccer Coach Andres Ochoa. “We want to strengthen the connection between athletics and campus while providing an environment where students can compete, grow and take pride in representing Pacific. 

“There is always a pathway for players who aspire to reach the varsity level, and this program allows us to foster development while enhancing the overall student experience. We are excited to bring this opportunity to Pacific,” Ochoa said.

Ochoa’s vision reflects a broader department-wide commitment to growth and opportunity, a sentiment echoed on the women’s side of the program.

“This is huge for the Pacific community and for those students who are interested in receiving an education from one of the nation’s top institutions while continuing to play competitive soccer,” said Head Women’s Soccer Coach Jeff Freeman. “You don’t have to choose between elite academics and competitive soccer—you can have both at Pacific.

“Those choosing to play development soccer here will have an exciting opportunity to be a part of something new, play competitive soccer, align with our Division I program’s values and build something meaningful.”