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.
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, Rice and Tulsa are not on this list.
This list includes South Florida through UTSA. Those wanting to read up on the other half of the AAC, which includes Charlotte through North Texas, can find that list here.
South Florida
Yui Suetsugu, M/F, Sr.: Don’t read too much into Suetsugu’s final 2025 stats, where she finished with four points in 20 games. The Japan-born midfielder/forward received second-team All-AAC honors, and we feel confident that she’s in for a strong senior season.
UAB
Ava Mills, D, Sr.: After two years on the bench, Mills became an integral part of last year’s Blazers squad. She finished with 10 points in 18 games (12 starts) and averaged 59 minutes.
Avery Berryman, F, Sr.: Berryman thrived in her first year starting, racking up 15 points and making the All-Conference second-team. Don’t be surprised if she advances to the first team this fall.
Lailah Stewart, F, Sr.: Fittingly, Stewart went from American University to the American Conference — and, just as she did in the Patriot League, she quickly made her mark offensively. Stewart led the Blazers with eight goals and earned All-Conference first-team honors.
UTSA
Brooklyn Bailey, F, So.: Bailey and Kessler played together at Klein Collins High School before reuniting at UTSA last year. It didn’t take long for Bailey to prove that she belonged, finishing with nine points and playing all 22 games. Fresh off earning All-Freshman honors, we’re looking forward to seeing what her second season looks like.
Jasmine Kessler, GK, Sr.: Kessler became UTSA’s all-time leader in shutouts last August, and she’s only four short of 20 for her career. Asking Kessler to get to 25 might be a steep ask, given that her career high in shutouts is six, but her resume speaks for itself. Could she potentially unseat two-time defending AAC Goalkeeper of the Year Abby Kudla in the process?
Which players are you excited to watch this college season? Let us know in the comments!
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