More: TDS Player of the Year History | Preseason Player of the Year Favorites | Best of Women’s College Soccer Week 1

 

 

 

The Hawkeye midfielder storms into the leaderboard after a sensational performance to pace a 3-2 defeat of No. 7 Arkansas. Bush took the shot that won a penalty kick, then added two more assists to have a hand in all three goals to hand the Razorbacks their first home regular loss in four years. With the junior in fine form, Iowa is making a strong case among the nation's best programs. 

 

 

Ever present and steady for Stanford since winning TDS Freshman of the Year in 2022, Evans has elevated her game this season, adding attacking flair to her stellar center back play. Her three goal contributions already match a career high, as the senior captain demonstrates an elite ability to break lines and create opportunities with a dribble or pass.

 

 

Another to dominate one of the early marquee matchups of the season, Minestrella put on a show with two goals and an assist to lift No. 5 Duke past No. 6 Penn State in an enthralling 3-2 result. It is in continuation of the furious efficiency the California native provided last season, where she had 19 goal contributions at an average of one every 48 minutes. The talented junior continues her impressive rise after recovering from a serious intestinal medical condition in 2023. 

 

 

O'Rourke and Tennessee put the nation on notice as her brace led to a shutout 2-0 victory over defending national champions North Carolina. The victory, the first time the program has defeated a No. 1-ranked team, saw the Volunteers climb from unranked to No. 5 in the country. O'Rourke then followed that with a goal against Eastern Kentucky and another to take down No. 4 UCLA. The redshirt junior missed last season at Texas A&M due to injury and now looks ready to live up to the potential she showed as an All-SEC freshman at South Carolina.

 

 

Among the premier defenders in the country, Blackburn wasted no time putting her footprint on the season, providing three assists in a 4-0 opening day defeat of San Diego State. There is little doubt that the dynamic fullback is firmly among the best players in the country, regardless of position.

 

 

While Dudley has yet to register a goal or assist, her impact has still been felt, as she is the first name on the scouting report for opposing teams. It is a matter of when, not if, the floodgates open for the 2023 TDS Freshman of the Year.

 

 

The Irish staff has been a bit unorthodox with the 2024 TDS Freshman of the Year, opting to bring her in as a substitute who plays 60+ minutes rather than a member of the starting lineup. That has not deterred her impact, as shown by her opening day double to defeat a plucky Western Michigan team 2-1.

 

 

The reigning Player of the Year has yet to score but did provide an assist as the Tar Heels defeated Siena College. It will take time for a North Carolina attack boasting several newcomers to gel, but the Arizona native has shown she is a remarkable talent firmly among the elite. 

 

 

For proof of Schlueter's impact at her best, see her absurd solo goal that salvaged a 1-1 draw with Clemson on opening night. Moments like these are why Ohio State is considered a contender in the stacked Big Ten.

 

 

Utah Valley opened its $30 million stadium with a 2-0 victory over power-4 Utah, and Webber was on hand to provide an assist. The Wolverines play a remarkably challenging non-conference schedule, offering a valuable barometer of where the program and Webber stand among the best.