The latest women’s Division I season is heading down the final stretch, with conference tournament action finishing this weekend. 

With the trend of women’s soccer, NWSL teams have been aggressive about pursuing and signing players before their four years of eligibility have been used up.

In that backdrop, here are some of the high level players who have boosted their pro stock in the women’s Division I season. 

Jordynn Dudley, Florida State – The dynamic forward continues to produce, though she does battle injury issues that could keep her in school for another season. She has 28 goals and 26 assists in 47 games heading into the NCAA tournament. 

Katie Shea Collins, South Carolina – A sophomore and First Team All-SEC performer, Collins is a play-making forward who finishes off attacks with aplomb. She has hit double-digits in her first two seasons in college.

Summer Denigan, Georgia – Technically a redshirt junior, Denigan is likely on the cusp of graduating and it will be interesting to see what her next move will be. An attacking midfielder, she’s a former U.S. youth national team player sitting on 11 goals so far this season. Returning to school seems like a plausible route for her at this point.

Izzy Engle, Notre Dame – The TDS Freshman of the Year in 2024 has taken her game to another level in the fall. While she suffered an injury against Wake Forest, her gaudy goal totals sit at 36 tallies from 37 games. Her game has grown as well, as she has six assists after notching just one as a freshman. Staying in school and working to complete her degree at Notre Dame makes plenty of sense, but the striker is an exceptional talent.  

Ava McDonald, Texas – A dynamic freshman, McDonald brought the kind of electric ability to the field in her first season with the Longhorns. While the team didn’t perform at the level they would’ve liked, McDonald was honored as the SEC Freshman of the Year. Her attacking qualities would suit the right NWSL team, and she projects as able to play on the outside or through the middle.

Ava Galligan, LSU – Another No. 9 prospect, Galligan is a junior from Virginia who continues to excel for the SEC side. She has the size and physical profile to play at that spot at the next level, though she’s another who could return to school.

Kat Rader, Duke – While Mia Minestrella makes a good case as a true junior, redshirt junior Kat Rader has also been a key player for the Blue Devils. Rader has bounced back, scoring nine goals to go with eight assists after missing the 2024 season. Staying at Duke seems plausible, though academically she is probably close to graduating.

Maribel Flores, USC – After missing a chunk of the 2024 campaign while on Under-20 World Cup duty with Mexico, Flores showed her quality this campaign. Unfortunately, with a record of 7-7-3 and RPI of 65, her season is over. Nine goals in 17 games and a Big Ten Midfielder of the Year nod could tempt clubs to offer her a spot at the next level.

Olivia Thomas, North Carolina – The former Top 10 recruit has made a big impact for the Tar Heels, with 13 goals in 17 games. A Michigan native, staying fit has been a significant development for her success.  

Kennedy Bell, Michigan State – Bell has brought the impact the Spartan staff hoped for after moving from Maryland. Recently named the Big Ten Forward of the Year, she offers the dynamic presence and profile to offer an option for NWSL sides. She sits on 10 goals in 19 games heading into Thursday’s Big Ten Conference semifinal against UCLA.

Hope Leyba, Colorado – After leading a comeback in the Big 12 tournament against UCF, Leyba has put herself in the frame to finish the season as the nation’s top scorer. That’s no guarantee of success in the professional ranks, but it’s a significant accomplishment on her resume. 

Mia Bhuta, Stanford – Bhuta can be added to Stanford’s long list of top pro prospects. She’s already graduated despite being only a junior and is the kind of tempo-setting midfielder who could thrive in the right fit. Her limited playing time this season (eight appearances) could lead her back to school next year.

Samantha Erbach, Xavier – The two-sport star (Erbach is on the Xavier track team), her 14 goals and 14 assists are impressive for a sophomore. Leaving school early is unlikely, but her production is sure to get teams watching closely.

Sydney Watts, Vanderbilt – Eight of her 12 goals this season came against SEC opponents in what has been a breakout year for the conference's Forward of the Year. The Kansas native has come a long way since starting no games as freshman in 2023, and is a safe bet to stay at school despite her scintillating scoring record.

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