Three standout student‑athletes from Colonial Athletic Association women’s soccer programs have been selected for national preseason watch lists, underscoring the conference’s rising prominence in collegiate soccer. The honors were announced by the Intercollegiate Women’s Soccer Organization for Coaches and United Soccer Coaches, two of the most influential bodies in the sport.
National Watch List Selections
Forward Bella Antonio from Charleston earned a spot on the MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List for 2026, joining teammate Hailey Longwell of UNCW, who also secured a place on the same list. Both players were instrumental in their teams’ 2025 campaigns, with Antonio leading Charleston in points and Longwell capturing UNCW’s first CAA Attacking Player of the Year award as a redshirt sophomore.
Goalkeeper Eliza Teplow of Northeastern received a place on the United Soccer Coaches Goalkeepers to Watch List for 2026. The recognition follows her reigning CAA Goalkeeper of the Year honor and a stellar defensive record that placed her among the conference leaders in save percentage and saves per game.
2025 Season Highlights
Antonio contributed 14 points, comprising five goals and four assists, across 17 appearances for Charleston. Her performance earned her a Preseason CAA Honorable Mention, reflecting both consistency and impact on the field.
Longwell not only claimed the CAA Attacking Player of the Year award but also posted 18 points in conference play, including six goals and three assists. Her redshirt sophomore season marked a breakthrough for UNCW, showcasing a blend of scoring prowess and playmaking ability.
Teplow’s 2025 statistics were equally impressive, posting a .829 save percentage that ranked second in the CAA and a .872 save percentage with 7.6 saves per game in conference matches. She recorded two 11‑save outings on the road against William & Mary and Monmouth, highlighting her reliability under pressure.
Looking Forward
The MAC Hermann Trophy will be awarded on January 8, 2027, in St. Louis, Missouri, where the finalists for Player of the Year will be announced. As the preseason lists narrow down, the early recognitions serve as a strong indicator of the talent that will shape the upcoming season, promising competitive matchups and heightened attention for the CAA and its member institutions.