The latest women’s college soccer season is here, the most exciting time of the year for fans of the beautiful game. It also begins the rabid discussions on who the stars of the season will be and how they will influence the College Cup race. From Kate Faasse’s opportunity to be the third in history to win the trophy twice, to Faith Webber’s non-power four push, here are the ten preseason favorites for the TDS Player of the Year Trophy.

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Mia Bhuta, Stanford(w)

Bhuta is quickly emerging as one of the best players in Cardinal history. Through her first two years, the versatile midfielder has started 47 of 48 matches, playing 3975 minutes and helping the team to consecutive College Cup semi-finals. Another season with a similar impact would put the junior in an excellent position to be the fourth Stanford star to win the award. 

Macy Blackburn, Texas Tech(w)

Without a doubt, Blackburn is among the premier defenders in college soccer. The dynamic full back was the Big 12 defender of the year after scoring twice and assisting another ten goals. And with four goals and 21 assists over the last two seasons, the redshirt senior has established herself as one of the two-way stars of the sport. If the Texas native can match those standards while leading an NCAA Tournament run, then the award will be in play.

Jordan Brown, Georgia(w)

No goalkeeper has ever won the POTY trophy, but if anyone can, it is Brown, who is arguably the best shot stopper in the country. For evidence of her qualities, look no further than her 14-save performance at the start of last season to earn a miraculous 1-1 draw against the defending national champions. If the Bulldogs can live up to their standards among the elite, then the award is in play for Brown.

Jordynn Dudley, Florida State(w)

It may not feel like it, given that Florida State underperformed as a team, but Dudley somehow had a better season than her record-breaking College Cup MVP freshman year. The game-breaking forward averaged a goal-contribution at an absurd rate of every 48 minutes, topping the 60-minute average from freshman year. That was despite leaving for the U20 World Cup, which cut into her season and momentum for the Seminoles. Dudley is undoubtedly one of the best youth soccer prospects in the world and will impact who wins the TDS Player of the Year trophy.

Izzy Engle, Notre Dame(w)

Engle set the country ablaze last season as a dynamic rookie whose 19 goals were the most by an NCAA Division I freshman in a decade. Those exploits led to the Minnesota native winning the TDS Freshman of the Year award while helping Notre Dame to the Sweet Sixteen. The Irish are one of the favorites for the College Cup, and if Engle can score at a similar rate, then the POTY trophy is within reach.

Kate Faasse, North Carolina(w)

The returning TDS POTY is a no-brainer for the list. Faasse won the 2024 award after leading the Tar Heels to the College Cup trophy as just the fourth player this century to lift the national title while finishing as the country’s top scorer. The senior will now have a chance to be just the third player to win the award twice.

Kaitlyn MacBean, Penn State(w)

As the leading star for a team with legitimate championship aspirations, MacBean has a clear path to the trophy. The Minnesota native had a stellar 2024 run, scoring 16 and assisting twice for a team that reached the Elite Eight. Similar production while getting to the College Cup could be enough to become the first Nittany Lion to win the award in a decade.

Cameron Roller, Duke(w)

As the reigning ACC Defender of the Year and an All-American, Roller is firmly among the top talents in the country. The junior wing-back was a two-way marvel, helping Duke to the College Cup last season while providing several clutch moments. A coaching change and the loss of talented seniors have caused many to discount the ACC giants as a College Cup favorite, presenting the opportunity for Roller to upend the odds.

Amanda Schlueter, Ohio State(w)

Schlueter enjoyed a breakout sophomore year, accounting for ten goals and twelve assists as one of the few in the country to reach double digits in both categories. The Buckeyes are a legitimate dark horse for a College Cup run, due to the attacking brilliance the Kentucky native offers. Be on the lookout for a talent who could shock the nation.

Faith Webber, Utah Valley(w)

Webber, a surprising returner for Utah Valley, is in an excellent position to be the first truly mid-major player to win the TDS POTY trophy. The lethal forward has steadily increased her scoring total from 14 in 2023 to 16 in 2023 and 18 last season. Another jump in production for a loaded Wolverines squad that could make an NCAA Tournament run would be a stellar argument for the highest individual honor in the sport.

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