The World Cup is in full swing, and you don’t need to be in Miami or Seattle to feel excited about the upcoming college soccer season.
In fact, those in South Florida got an early look at soccer history, as Curaçao practiced at Florida Atlantic University ahead of its World Cup debut.
With roughly two months until the season starts, let’s shift our focus to the American Athletic Conference as we check in on some of the women’s soccer players you must know going into the new year.
Given the current state of college athletics and the ever-changing rosters in the transfer portal era, we have included only schools that have publicly released official 2026 rosters. As a result, Florida Atlantic is not on this list.
This list includes Charlotte through North Texas. Stay tuned for Rice through UTSA later this week!
Charlotte
Evie Craven, F, Sr.: Craven impressed throughout her first year as a starter, recording five goals and 12 total points. Voters clearly appreciated her breakout campaign, naming the London-born Craven to the all-conference second team. What does she have in store for her senior year?
Harlee Head, GK, R-Jr.: Head’s 69 saves ranked fifth among AAC goalies last year, and she was one of only six players in the conference with at least a 76% save percentage. If she can break through past that 80% mark, watch out for the 49ers.
East Carolina
Caitlen-Star Dolan Boodram, F, Jr.: A three-time national champion in England, Dolan Boodram led the Pirates with five goals and five assists. Only six AAC players had at least 20 points, and Dolan Boodram is poised to join them.
Gia Spinetti, D, So.: Spinetti earned All-Freshman honors and averaged over 86 minutes per game as a true freshman. She’s about to become a household name among AAC soccer fans.
Memphis
Abby Kudla, GK, Jr.: The reigning AAC Goalkeeper of the Year, Kudla held opponents scoreless in nine of her 20 games. Memphis has arguably the league’s most imposing defense, and Kudla will only keep getting better.
Ai Kitagawa, MF, Jr.: The Japanese-born Kitagawa had an AAC-high four game-winning goals last season, including in an Aug. 28 victory over Missouri. She earned AAC Midfielder of the Year honors, one year after earning Freshman of the Year. Kitagawa is a bona fide star, and we trust she’ll handle the added pressure following Ashley Henderson’s transfer to Florida State.
Elise Perron, F, Jr.: Originally from Quebec, Perron recorded six goals and eight assists in her second Tigers season. She received All-AAC second-team honors and had three-game winning goals, with one coming in an upset victory over Vanderbilt last August.
Finley Lavin, D, Sr.: Lavin received All-AAC honors in her first two seasons, and for good reason. The Tigers’ 14 shutouts last year ranked fourth in the country, and Lavin earned her second consecutive Defensive Player of the Year award. Good luck scoring against the duo of Kudla and Lavin.
North Texas
Claire Niedermeier, F, Jr.: Niedermeier had five golds in her sophomore season, with the standout shot being a game-winner against Abilene Christian last September. Don’t be surprised if she earns first-team All-AAC honors for the first time.
Mia Bernard, MF, Sr.: Bernard started all 20 games, leading the Mean Green with six goals and tying for the team lead with four assists. Get ready to see her end her college career in style.
Which players are you excited to watch this college season? Let us know in the comments!
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