Defenders are often the most overlooked players on the soccer field.

MORE: Top returning attacks | Top 10 women's GKs | Top returning defenses

Stifling the opposing attackers, center backs usually rarely show up on the score sheet, save for the odd set piece goal, or desperation tally while shifted up front.

While stats may be hard to come by, back lines across the country are teeming with quality. Here’s a look at the top 10 defenders in Division I women’s soccer: