Pro Prospects: 8 Young Players That Could Turn Pro Soon
Although the new NWSL CBA has eliminated the NWSL draft, college soccer remains a space for players to develop and strengthen their efforts toward the NWSL. By eliminating the draft, the NWSL has opened the gates for all players (not simply NCAA players) to have a greater opportunity of going pro. There are few players to keep a close eye on; let’s look at eight players we could see in the pros not too far from now.
1. Lexi Missimo
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As a senior for the Texas Longhorns, Missimo has racked up more than a handful of recognitions. She currently sits at the top of Top Drawer Soccer Preseason Top 100. Also, Missimo has already completed the USYNT Cycle, which includes participating in 32 camps from U14 to U23. Her impressive collegiate statistics as a very active midfielder gives way for fans to easily believe she will be seen either in the NWSL or any other professional women’s soccer league in the near future.
2. Trinity Byars
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Alongside Missimo, Byars plays in the orange and white for the Texas Longhorns. Her threatening skill at the frontline helped her score four goals in one match on August 22 versus SMU this season. Byars also holds the title as Texas’ leader in game-winning goals with 17 netted. Her obvious eye for goal has caught the attention of United Soccer Coaches as Byars has been on the Preseason National Watch List for three years (2022, 2023, 2024). She is currently a senior and has many pathways to consider once the 2024 season concludes, including a path to the pros.
3. Taylor Huff
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There was no way to write this list without including a Seminole. Florida State University is definitely the team to beat since they are the reigning NCAA Champs. Huff has found success in the midfield as both a helpful navigator and a tactful goal-scorer. She was able to make an assist in the NCAA Championship Game against Stanford. Huff also ended the 2023 season with a total of 14 assists and seven goals. This season is a big one for Huff to continue demonstrating her skill set and pave her way to the pros.
4. Ryan Campbell
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Let’s show some love for goalies! As the current goalkeeper for the UCLA Bruins, Campbell has made waves for her outstanding technique in goal. Although the majority of her collegiate career took place at Stanford, there is no doubt her impact will be evident for the Bruins. We all know how essential goalkeepers are, and Campbell has demonstrated that she may be the most essential of young goalkeepers with her high ranking (#11) in the Top Drawer Soccer Preseason Top 100.
5. Lyndsey Heckel
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Heckel is a graduate student at Saint Louis University. She is one of three defenders listed amongst the top 10 in the Top Drawer Soccer Preseason Top 100. Even though Heckel holds the backline down and helps her GK protect the goal, she still finds ways to help her team succeed offensively. She is currently tied for seventh in game-winning goals, which is pretty impressive for a defender.
6. Sarah Weber
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Weber is in her senior year as a Nebraska Husker. Her impact during her junior year definitely prompted her to be a threat for the 2024 season. So far, Weber has already been on a tear with two games where she scored three goals. What lies ahead for Weber is likely a season full of more goals. Her impressive start to the 2024 season amplifies the possibility of seeing Weber lace up in the pros.
7. Jordynn Dudley
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Although only a sophomore, Dudley is already making waves by scoring her first goal of the year and tallying an assist in the 5-0 win against USF. Her freshman year was incredible as she marked the second-most goals and assists in program history. Dudley’s skill and athleticism make her a threat to any opposing defense. Her impact helped lead the ‘Noles to their NCAA 2023 Championship and may well help any professional club if she chooses to go that route.
8. Jasmine Aikey
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Making a College Cup appearance last year and being a PAC-12 Champion the year before, Aikey has accomplished a lot and continues to shine during her junior year at Stanford. Her recent ACC Defensive Player of the Week reflects Aikey’s defensive ability. The midfielder role is undoubtedly a blend and a balance of being both offensive and defensive, which Aikey would provide to any pro squad.
Featured image via @texassoccer on Instagram
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