Table of Contents
San Diego Wave FC opened 2026 preseason camp with two key moves, announcing the signing of defender and midfielder Kiki Pickett and the re-signing of goalkeeper DiDi Haračić as part of a 27-player training camp roster.
The Wave begin preparations for the upcoming season this week, with training camp officially underway and another appearance at the Coachella Valley Invitational on the horizon. While several new faces have joined the club this offseason, Pickett and Haračić headline a group designed to add experience, flexibility, and internal competition across the field.
Pickett Adds Flexibility Across the Back Line and Midfield
Pickett joins San Diego on a two-year deal through the 2027 season after spending the past two seasons with Bay FC. The 26-year-old arrives with significant NWSL experience, having made 68 league appearances across stints with Bay FC, the North Carolina Courage, and the Kansas City Current.
A Stanford alum, Pickett is known for her steady presence and tactical awareness, with the ability to contribute as a fullback or step into midfield when needed. While she is not relied upon as a primary goal scorer, her strengths lie in ball recovery, buildup play, and positional discipline, traits that often become increasingly valuable over the course of a long season.
Her ability to fill multiple roles gives head coach Jonas Eidevall added flexibility when managing rotations, injuries, and tactical adjustments, particularly with a roster that blends youth and experience.
Haračić Returns to Provide Stability in Goal
San Diego also confirmed the return of Haračić on a one-year contract through the 2026 season, bringing back one of the most experienced goalkeepers in the league.
Haračić made two starts for the Wave in 2025 and was named Best Goalkeeper at World Sevens, reinforcing her value both on the field and within the locker room. With more than 100 NWSL appearances since her debut in 2013, the Bosnia and Herzegovina international adds stability at a position that has undergone significant change in recent seasons.
Her presence gives the Wave a veteran option in goal as the club continues to shape its identity for the new campaign.
A Deep Preseason Roster Takes Shape
Beyond the two signings, the preseason roster reflects a club prioritizing competition at every position. San Diego enters camp with a mix of established internationals, young contributors, and non-rostered invitees all pushing for roles as preseason unfolds.
The Wave will once again participate in the Coachella Valley Invitational, facing Kansas City Current on February 15 before closing the tournament against expansion side Denver Summit on February 21. Those matches will provide an early look at how new additions integrate with returning players and which combinations begin to emerge.
With training camp underway and preseason matches approaching, the foundation for the 2026 campaign is officially set as San Diego looks to turn offseason movement into on-field momentum.
A Roster Built on Depth and Competition
Beyond the two signings, the preseason roster reflects a club leaning into depth at nearly every position.
San Diego enters camp with a mix of established internationals, rising young players, and non-rostered invitees all competing for spots. Midfielders like Kenza Dali, Laurina Fazer, and Melanie Barcenas are joined by emerging talents such as Gia Corley and Kimmi Ascanio, while the back line features a blend of experience and youth.
Up top, the Wave’s attacking group includes pace, creativity, and physicality, setting the stage for internal competition as preseason unfolds.
Players to Watch This Preseason
With so many options available, a few storylines stand out heading into camp:
- How Pickett is deployed across midfield and defense
- The goalkeeper rotation with Haračić anchoring the group
- Young players and non-rostered invitees pushing for roster spots
- Early chemistry ahead of the Coachella Valley Invitational
San Diego will once again compete in the Coachella Valley Invitational in February, offering an early look at how these pieces fit together against high-level opponents.
Looking Ahead
The Wave’s 2026 preseason roster signals a team focused on balance, blending experience with youth and building competition at every position. With Pickett and Haračić setting the tone, the next few weeks will be about sorting roles, building chemistry, and establishing an identity heading into the new season.
