The Top Division 1 Women’s Soccer Programs Heading Into This Season
It’s officially back-to-school season all over the country—which means it’s also college soccer time. There is so much talent coming to these fields this season, especially these elite teams. These are the top Division 1 women’s soccer programs to watch this coming season, according to the NCAA.
UCLA (PAC-12)
UCLA is the current top dog in the PAC-12 conference. With a record of 22-2-1 from their last season, UCLA has already hit the ground running in the 2023 season. They started their season with a 2-0 victory over Georgia. Two stand-out players are defender Lilly Reale and forward Reilyn Turner, who have both been placed on the watch list for this season’s Hermann Trophy. The Bruins are primed and ready to hold onto their top spot for yet another year.
Florida State (ACC)
One of three teams in the Atlantic Coast Conference to make the top five list, Florida State University is already off to a great start. With a 17-3-3 record for the previous season, FSU’s only losses came at the hands of North Carolina. But FSU prevailed in the ACC Championship over North Carolina in the end and even beat Notre Dame to get there.
Much like UCLA, FSU has three players to watch for the Hermann Trophy: forward Jody Brown, midfielder Taylor Huff, and goalkeeper Cristina Roque. So far, FSU is 2-0 and shows no sign of stopping.
University of North Carolina (ACC)
North Carolina was absolutely on fire last season, finishing 20-5-1, the best record in their conference. They made it all the way to the ACC Championship final and finished the season in second place. Midfielder Sam Meza is their Hermann Trophy one to watch. The Tarheels are one of the most legendary collegiate programs in the country, and we’re sure to see exactly why this season, just like all the rest.
Alabama (SEC)
The University of Alabama finished last season with a truly stellar record, 23-3-1, and second place in the Southeastern Conference Championship. Two of Alabama’s offensive seniors are on the Hermann Trophy watchlist this year, midfielder Felicia Knox and forward Itala Gemelli. They are currently sitting pretty with a 4-0 record, not a bad way to start the season.
Duke (ACC)
Time to meet your 2023 captains 😈#GoDuke pic.twitter.com/cMPSsvzaBu
— Duke Women's Soccer (@DukeWSOC) August 31, 2023
15-5-3 Duke just edged Notre Dame out of the fifth spot in the NCAA rankings with a better finish in the ACC Championships. They started their season with a win over West Virginia but currently have a record of 1-1 after a loss to Southern California.
Their keeper Leah Freeman is among the others in this article and on the watch list for the Hermann Trophy. Despite a touchy start, the program at Duke is prepared to push through early season growing pains and stay strong all season.
Keep an eye on those rankings as the season heats up!
Featured image via @uclawsoccer on Instagram
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