9 NCAA Stars that Could Sign in the NWSL

Now that we are in the offseason, fans and NWSL clubs should be on the lookout for the next wave of rookies. There’s an immense amount of talent that the NWSL could welcome. With the abolishment of the NWSL draft, this will be the first year that rookies can be signed to a club rather than drafted. Here, we will highlight ten potential NWSL rookies we could see next season.

Jordynn Dudley (Florida State University)

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Florida State Soccer (@nolesoccer)

Height, technique, and finishing are all powerful traits Dudley obtains. Her contributions during the U20 World Cup earlier this fall prove Dudley to be both talented and highly skilled. However, Dudley may not be on many scouts’ radar due to only recently completing her sophomore season with the Seminoles. Will she remain a Seminole, or will Dudley advance to the pros? Definitely one to keep an eye out for!

Lexi Missimo (University of Texas)

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Texas Soccer (@texassoccer)

Being the leading goal scorer and assist-maker for the Longhorns, Missimo has displayed what it means to be committed to the grind. Her playmaking ability would be impactful on any NWSL squad. There’s no doubt Missimo will be in an NWSL uniform, and her decorated resume as a Longhorn gives more reason for teams to shortlist her.

Pietra Tordin (Princeton University)

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Pietra Tordin (@pietratordin)

Very much a standout during the U20 World Cup, Tordin should be on every scout’s radar. Her four goals and single assist during the tournament confirm that she can be a difference-maker. Teams looking to strengthen their offense should heavily consider Tordin.

Kate Faasse (University of North Carolina)

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by UNC Women’s Soccer (@uncwomenssoccer)

Any interest Faasse receives would come as no surprise, considering her goal-scoring ability. Fasse finished her junior year at UNC, netting 20 goals for the Tar Heels and helping the team secure the program’s 23rd NCAA D1 Championship. Her 2024 season was remarkable as she obtained many accolades, including All-ACC First Team and United Soccer Coaches All-America First Team.

Ashleigh Williams (Texas Tech)

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Texas Tech Soccer (@texastechsoccer)

Williams’s consistency throughout her years as a Red Raider would attract any club seeking stability. Her eye for goal is definitely on another level, as she scored more than five goals in each of her years at Texas Tech. Wrapping up her senior year with numerous accolades and individual accomplishments promotes Williams as a player many scouts will likely keep on their radar.

Leah Freeman (Duke)

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Leah Freeman (@_leahfreeman)

After a strong freshman season at Oregon, Freeman continued to display her impact in goal at Duke. She made history by being the only goalkeeper to earn honors from both conferences. Her strength and agility distinguish her from other goalies. Freeman is a definite prospect, especially with the retirement of one of the greatest keepers we’ve seen, Alyssa Naeher.

Helena Sampaio (USC)

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Helena Rodriguez Sampaio (@helersampaio)

Flair and creativity are elements Brazilians are known for bringing onto the pitch. Sampaio carries such tradition and illuminates the styles of Marta and Debinha. During her 2024 season, Sampaio secured the Big Ten Midfielder of the Year honor. Her offensive presence ripples as a goal scorer and playmaker, making her a threat to any defensive line.

Lilly Reale (UCLA)

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by UCLA Women’s Soccer (@uclawsoccer)

Having a similar play style to Julie Ertz, Reale brings an unmatched level of determination. Her ruthlessness and physicality set her apart from a lot of defenders. Earning 3 Defensive Player of the Year awards demonstrates the impact Reale has had for the UCLA program. It would be no surprise to see Reale take the role Ertz once had for the USWNT one day – maybe sooner than later.

Ava Tankersley (Arkansas)

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Ava Tankersley (@ava.tank)

Tankersley has fantastic skill on the offensive end as she can play make and put the ball in the back of the net. She’s scored 38 goals and completed 32 assists in her time with Arkansas. Her skills and ability to learn make her a desirable prospect for NWSL squads who seek to add new weapons to their arsenal.

_

GIRLS SOCCER NETWORK: YOUR SOURCE FOR GIRLS SOCCER NEWS