Izzy Lee, the University of Illinois’ senior goalkeeper, has been selected for the 2026 MAC Hermann Trophy watch list, a honor that highlights the nation’s top Division I women’s soccer players.
A Record‑Setting Season
During the 2025 campaign she posted a career‑high 123 saves, surpassing the previous single‑season record and cementing her place among the Illini’s defensive greats.
Her 11‑save performance in the Big Ten Tournament against Ohio State not only broke her own single‑match record but also contributed to the team’s fourth shutout of the season, the fourth‑most in school history.
Lee finished the regular season atop the Big Ten in saves per game at 5.86 and posted a career save percentage of .830 overall and .810 in conference play.
The Hermann Trophy’s Legacy
The MAC Hermann Trophy, named after Robert Hermann, a pioneer of early professional soccer, is awarded each year to the Division I player voted the national champion by United Soccer Coaches.
The 2026 watch list was compiled from returning 2025 All‑Americans and First‑Team All‑Region selections, with 15 semifinalists to be announced in December and the final three to be chosen by head coaches in January 2027.
The award ceremony will take place at the Missouri Athletic Club in St. Louis, where the 2026 recipient will be celebrated alongside past legends of the game.
Looking Forward
Lee’s inclusion marks only the third time an Illinois player has earned Hermann Trophy watch‑list recognition and the first since Janelle Flaws in 2015, underscoring the program’s growing influence on the national stage.
Looking ahead, the Illini coaching staff believes Lee’s experience and resilience will anchor a defense poised for another strong season, while her national visibility could attract top recruits.
The recognition also reflects the broader growth of women’s soccer in the Midwest, a trend driven by strong collegiate programs and increasing professional pathways.