Alex Buck, a junior forward for the University of Washington, has earned a spot on the 2026 Hermann Trophy Watch List, a 63‑player roster that highlights the nation’s most outstanding women’s soccer talent.
The Watch List
Being named to the watch list is more than a personal accolade; it reflects a season in which Buck helped the Huskies capture the Big Ten title and dominate the postseason. Coaches across Division I voted for the list, recognizing players who have combined skill, impact and leadership.
During the 2025 campaign Buck led the conference with nine goals, a tally that included a decisive brace against Montana in the NCAA first round and a golden‑goal strike that sent the Huskies past Arkansas in the second round. Her ability to find the net in high‑pressure moments has drawn praise from teammates and opposing coaches alike.
Roots and International Duty
A native of Medina, Washington, Buck’s journey began on local fields before she earned a place on the U.S. Youth National Team. In the coming months she will travel to Poland to compete in the 2026 U20 World Cup, wearing the red, white and blue as a representative of the country’s next generation.
The Hermann Trophy, presented annually by the Missouri Athletic Club, is regarded as the pinnacle of individual achievement in Division I women’s soccer. The award honors Robert Hermann, a St. Louis entrepreneur who founded the National Professional Soccer League and was later inducted into the U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame.
As the Huskies prepare for the next chapter of their season and Buck readies for international competition, the soccer community watches closely. Her blend of explosive speed, tactical awareness and clutch finishing suggests that a future national player of the year award may be within reach.