The Mountain West Conference has unveiled its 2026 Women's Soccer Watch List, a curated group of 33 players identified by head coaches as the most promising talent heading into the next campaign. The list serves as an early barometer for performance, spotlighting athletes who have already made notable impacts on their respective teams.
Rising Stars of the Mountain West
Among the honorees are three standout players from San José State. Junior goalkeeper Paige Fry, a native of Fort Collins, Colorado, earned her second consecutive nomination after posting 88 saves last season, a figure that placed her third in the conference and demonstrated exceptional skill in penalty situations.
Senior midfielder Paige Pineda‑Aliamus, who completed her final season at City College of San Francisco, was selected for the watch list and also garnered a spot on the Mountain West All‑Newcomer Team for 2025. She led her side with seven goals, the most by any player in a single season since 2017, and started every one of the 18 games she appeared in.
Junior forward Indigo Sims, a Sam Houston University product, received her first watch‑list nod after contributing three goals, two assists, and two game‑winning strikes, including decisive scores against Southern University and Western Kentucky University. Sims also represented the Puerto Rican Senior National Team while navigating her collegiate schedule.
The selection process reflects the conference's emphasis on recognizing not only statistical excellence but also leadership and clutch performance. Coaches across the league compiled the list to guide fans, analysts, and prospective recruits toward the players most likely to shape the upcoming season's narrative.
As the new campaign approaches, the spotlight on these emerging athletes adds an extra layer of excitement for supporters. Their performances will be closely watched, and early accolades often translate into greater opportunities both on and off the field.