* Class weighted by TopDrawerSoccer.com Players To Watch® & Top 100 Lists
* Number in parenthesis represents Players To Watch® Top 100 ranking

No. 1: BYU

BYU stood head and shoulders above its Mountain West competition during the season, and though the gap could conceivably close this year, it won’t be for lack of a Cougars’ strong recruiting class.

A group of eight players will help BYU absorb the loss of the All-American Katie Larkin, as well as critical defender Jessica Carter. Lindsi Lisonbee (17), of Black Diamond, will bring instant impact to the back line with speed and smarts.    

Cami Jensen (Utah Rush) and goalkeeper Erica Owens (Utah Rush) will also be arriving, while on the offensive side Carlee Payne will bring her ability to combine with others. Jessica Ringwood (Sparta United), Amber Wadsworth (Utah Rush) and Ashley Bazzarone will join in on the fun.

No. 2: San Diego State

The Aztecs were without many real game-changers a season ago, and suffered through a 2-4-1 campaign in conference. This year should bring more offensive options, starting with incoming freshman Hillary Harvey (Mustang Soccer Club) and Megan Jurado (Pleasanton Rage).

Harvey is a hard-working player and Jurado a quick, attacking player. Both should combine well with returning standouts Cat Walker and Jessica Gordon as the Aztecs try to make a leap forward in the MWC pecking order.

No. 3: New Mexico

Beyond the top two classes, it’s a close race for the remaining bunch. New Mexico gets the nod in this spot because of the depth of its class of 10.

Midfielders Kelly Angerosa, Ashley Espinoza, Lauren Irwin and Chandler Guetz all have the potential to assist an offense that wasn’t among the most prolific in the conference a season ago.

The Lobos do return Alexis Ball, but lost key attacker Hannah Hand and goalie Shannan Adragna. New goalkeeper Sidney George arrives from Laguna Niguel Soccer Club, and is accompanied by defender Sinead Fleming and two-way players Shelby Luna and Channing Perea. New Mexico is hoping the new additions are enough to help distance it from the middle of the pack.

No. 4: TCU

The Hornfrogs were the most potent offensive attack in the conference in 2008, and there’s no reason to believe that trend won’t continue.

Dynamic forward Jordan Calhoun, coming off her stellar freshman season, and forward Lizzy Karoly, will have even more company in 2009. Shelby Miller, of the Dallas Texans, and Lauren Edwards (So Cal Blues) are players who can potentially bring even more excitement to the fold.

And that’s not to mention Real Colorado teammates Elise Kensinger and Leigha Leonard along with Kaylin Mellem, also of the So Cal Blues. It’s sure to be another entertaining year packed with even more goals.

OTHERS: Wyoming has a diverse group of eight, that includes Puerto Rico youth national team player Meagan Burke along with Calgary’s Carmen Blume. UNLV is in good shape with four offensive players to go along with San Diego Surf’s defender Caitlin Allen, while Utah’s class of seven includes Allie Wisner, Natalie Young and Stephanie Lemeza.