The Top 8 D1 College Women’s Soccer Programs Going Into This Season

Many professional athletes give a lot of thanks to the collegiate programs that helped them learn the skills needed to succeed. As the 2024 college women’s soccer season approaches, let’s take a look at the top 8 D1 programs.

1. Florida State University

Being the reigning national champions, it is no surprise the Seminoles are listed at the top. The Seminoles have competed against some of the greatest college women’s soccer programs, such as the University of North Carolina and Stanford, and have emerged victorious. FSU’s recent success poses the program as top-notch and a threat to other programs. A few notable alumni include Jenna Nighswonger, Emily Sams, and Casey Krueger, who all had a role either as substitute or alternate on the 2024 USWNT Olympic squad.

2. Stanford University

Stanford is the home of numerous key players who have had a massive impact on women’s soccer. Christen Press, Kelley O’Hara, Andi Sullivan, and Catarina Marcario are four of the five Cardinal who have received the Hermann Trophy, awarded to the top college soccer player. Julie Foudy, the USWNT legend and women’s soccer commentator, also calls Stanford her alma mater.

More so, the skillful defender Tierna Davidson, defensive mastermind Naomi Girma, and speedy Sophia Smith also made waves during their time with the program. Davidson helped lift the national title in 2017, while Girma and Smith did the same in 2019. During Stanford’s seasons of achieving the national title, the program nearly finished their seasons with a perfect record. There is no denying the program’s profound success; therefore, Stanford lands just below the top spot. 

3. Brigham Young University

While in the Big 12 Conference for their first season, the Cougars secured an impressive 7-0-3 record. The Cougars nearly had their hands on the NCAA national title but fell short to the FSU Seminoles in penalties during the 2021 season. The BYU women’s soccer squad made it to the NCAA Final Four during the 2023 season. Ashley Hatch, currently playing for Washington Spirit, is one of the Cougar’s most notable alumni. The positive trajectory of the program continues to impress spectators and is something to keep an eye on this upcoming season.

4. Penn State University

The Nittany Lions are already off to a hot start with a 4-0 victory over Texas Tech this past Thursday. Looking back to the 2024 NWSL Draft, Penn State was responsible for setting a program record by having five players selected. Although it has been almost a decade since Penn State won its 2015 NCAA title, the talent flowing from the program cannot be refuted. With alumni such as Ali Krieger, Allie Long, and Alyssa Naeher, it is only fitting to view the Penn State program as efficient and full of potential to shock followers of the women’s game.

5. Clemson University

Although dropping from their number three rank and never securing an NCAA national title, the Tigers have had multiple appearances in NCAA competitions. The Clemson Tigers have had success in the Athletic Coast Conference, winning it twice in the program’s history. Clemson has been a threat, challenging top contenders such as FSU and Notre Dame. Alumni from the program who have signed with NWSL clubs include Kailen Sheridan (San Diego Wave FC) and Sam Staab (Chicago Red Stars).

6. University of Nebraska

Like Clemson, the University of Nebraska has never grasped the NCAA national title. Yet, the Cornhuskers ended their 2023 season with a stunning record of 7-1-2 in their conference. As of late, the Nebraska women’s soccer squad has made a progressive turn compared to previous years. In the 2022 season, the Cornhuskers improved to fourth in their standings compared to 11th in the 2021 season. The 2023 season brought more improvement, and the Nebraska team tied for first in the standings. 2023 was their most impressive season, besides reaching the NCAA second round in 2013, so the Cornhuskers are a program to watch out for this season.

7. University of Pittsburgh

Though not having a remarkable reputation as a soccer program, the Pittsburgh Panthers have had a positive turnaround the past two seasons. In 2022, the Panthers reached the Round of 16 of the NCAA national tournament, and in 2023, Pittsburgh advanced one stage upward and reached the Quarterfinals. By finishing their 2023 season with a record of 17-6-1, spectators and other D1 programs must perceive the Panthers as a gritty opponent with great potential for future success.

8. University of North Carolina

Last but certainly not least, the Tar Heels were destined to find themselves somewhere on this list. Being the most decorated program with 21 NCAA national titles, the UNC women’s soccer program holds a long legacy of enriching players with knowledge and success. Notable alumni include USWNT greats such as Tobin Heath, Mia Hamm, and Heather O’Reilly. Although completely dominant in women’s soccer, the Tar Heels have not secured the national title for over a decade. Something a lot of fans look forward to is when the Tar Heels face the Blue Devils. Both UNC and Duke University have high-level athletic programs, and the duel between the two North Carolina women’s soccer programs is as electric as can be.

Featured image via @nolessoccer on Instagram

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