The 2026 women’s soccer landscape is already buzzing with anticipation as the International Women’s Soccer Coaches Association and United Soccer Coaches have jointly crowned Northwestern junior forward Kennedy Roesch as a Player to Watch for the upcoming season.
Roesch’s sophomore campaign was nothing short of spectacular. She netted ten goals and contributed three assists, a combination that earned her All‑Big Ten, United Soccer Coaches All‑North Region, and United Soccer Coaches All‑American honors.
A Record‑Setting Start
Her 16 career goals in just two seasons place her at the top of the Wildcats’ historical ledger, surpassing the previous two‑year mark set by Addie Steiner in 2014‑15. Among Northwestern underclassmen, only Kelsey Hans, who tallied 21 goals in 2004‑05, eclipses the total, underscoring Roesch’s rapid ascent.
The excitement surrounding her recognition is amplified by the team’s opening fixture. On August 12, the Wildcats will host Virginia, a program that reached the 2025 NCAA Tournament Round of 16, in a match that promises to be a litmus test for the squad’s early‑season ambitions.
Born in San Diego, California, Roesch brings a West Coast pedigree to a program rooted in Evanston, Illinois. Her journey from the sunny fields of Southern California to the Midwest’s competitive arena adds a personal narrative that resonates with fans and teammates alike.
Coaches and analysts alike predict that the spotlight placed on Roesch will not only bolster her confidence but also elevate the entire roster’s performance as they prepare to face a Virginia side known for its tactical discipline and depth.