We brought a group of international students to cheer on the Texas Longhorns Women’s Soccer team in their Sept. 26 match against Vanderbilt University. For many attendees, this was the first time seeing a live college sporting event in the United States. The evening was filled with energy, school spirit, and the chance to experience an important part of life at UT Austin.
A Different Side of Longhorn Spirit
Soccer—known globally as football—is the world’s most popular sport, and many in the group were already familiar with the rules. What felt new was the college sports atmosphere. Fans dressed in burnt orange filled the stands, while the Austin Samba group kept the energy high with nonstop drumming, dancing, and vibrant rhythms that gave the match a festival-like feel. Their lively beats set the pace for the crowd’s cheers, making the night feel uniquely Austin.
Together, the fans and performers created an atmosphere that showcased how college athletics brings together students, faculty, alumni, and the wider community.
A Hard-Fought Win
The match itself was as exciting as the atmosphere. When the game kicked off, the sun was still shining, and the first half ended in a tense 0–0 tie. As the teams returned from halftime, the sky lit up with a sunset backdrop that seemed to energize both the players and the crowd. The Longhorns came alive in the second half, ultimately securing a 2–1 victory over Vanderbilt, with both teams battling hard until the final whistle.
Each goal brought the crowd to its feet, and sitting directly next to the field made the group feel like they were part of the action with every pass, sprint, and shot unfolding just steps away. Even Hook ’em, the costumed mascot, looked stressed at times as he paced the sidelines and cheered on the Lady Longhorns, adding to the drama of the night.
Why Women’s Soccer?
This match was part of our “Introduction to Longhorn Sports” series, designed to introduce UT’s international community to a variety of athletic traditions. While football may dominate the spotlight, UT competes at a high level in many sports.
Women’s soccer is fast-paced, competitive, and family-friendly, making it an excellent way for international Longhorns to experience a live game. Attending also highlights the talent and dedication of UT student-athletes, who represent the University both in competition and in the classroom.
Building Connections Off the Field
The evening was about more than soccer. Sitting side by side in the stands gave international students the chance to connect outside of classrooms and offices. Some compared how soccer games are celebrated in their home countries, others shared stories about favorite teams, and everyone got to see Hook ‘em. These informal interactions made the night both social and memorable.
Events like this are designed to help the international community feel connected to UT beyond academics. Participating in school traditions, such as attending sporting events, is one way to foster a sense of belonging. It creates opportunities to meet new people, share cultural perspectives, and feel included in the rhythms of campus life.
Soccer 101
For those less familiar with the sport, here are a few basics that can help first-time spectators follow the match:
- Teams: Soccer is played with 11 players on each side, including a goalkeeper.
- Objective: Teams score by kicking the ball into the opponent’s goal. Each goal is worth one point.
- Time: A match consists of two 45-minute halves, separated by a short halftime break. The clock runs continuously, with extra time added at the referee’s discretion.
- Rules: Only the goalkeeper may use hands, and only within the penalty box. Balls crossing the sideline result in a throw-in; balls crossing the goal line result in a corner kick or goal kick.
- Offside: A player cannot be ahead of the last defender when the ball is passed to them.
- Penalties: Fouls, such as tripping or pushing, lead to free kicks and often times a yellow card. Fouls committed in the penalty box can result in a penalty kick—often the most dramatic moment of a game—in addition to a red card and subsequent ejection.
With these basics in mind, newcomers quickly picked up on the flow of play and joined the crowd in celebrating exciting moments on the field.
Looking Ahead
The Women’s Soccer outing was a lively continuation of our “Introduction to Longhorn Sports” series, which began with a football watch party earlier this semester. Each event highlights a different sport, giving international Longhorns the chance to learn the rules, enjoy the traditions, and cheer alongside their peers.
We are looking forward to our next Longhorn Sports event: Attending the October 17 UT Austin vs. Texas A&M softball game at the Red and Charline McCombs Field. Register to cheer on the NCAA National Champion Texas Longhorn Softball team. Hook ’em Horns!
This blog post was contributed by Sarah Chiu, program coordinator on the Intercultural Programs and Initiatives team at ISSS.
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