Watch List Announcement
The 2026 MAC Hermann Trophy watch lists have been released, marking the first phase of a national evaluation that will culminate in the awarding of the prestigious honor to the most outstanding Division I soccer student‑athletes. The lists serve as an early barometer of performance, recognizing players who have already made significant impacts on their teams and the broader collegiate soccer landscape.
Georgetown’s Kaya Hanson appears on the women’s watch list after a dominant defensive season that included starting all 23 matches in 2025, earning Second Team All‑BIG EAST honors and a spot on the BIG EAST All‑Tournament Team. Her leadership helped the Hoyas limit opponents to just seven shots on goal across three games this season, underscoring her status as the 2026 BIG EAST Preseason Defensive Player of the Year.
Mitchell Baker, also a Georgetown standout, earned a spot on the men’s watch list after a breakout 2025 campaign in which he recorded 14 goals and three assists, ranking eighth nationally in scoring. Baker’s contributions were highlighted by a BIG EAST Men’s Soccer Weekly Honor Roll selection following a goal and an assist in a 1‑0‑1 unbeaten stretch against North Carolina and Rutgers, and his 14 goals stand as the best single‑season total in Georgetown men’s soccer history.
Creighton’s Matthew Reed, a key defender, was named to the men’s watch list after a season that featured three goals, four assists and a pivotal role in limiting opponents to seven shots on goal over two games. Reed’s defensive reliability has been a cornerstone of the Bluejays’ backline, providing stability as the team looks to build on recent successes.
Historical Context
The MAC Hermann Trophy has a storied tradition of honoring elite collegiate talent, with the BIG EAST producing two recent winners: Dante Polvara of Georgetown in 2021 and Duncan McGuire of Creighton in 2022. The award’s national voting process evaluates candidates throughout the season, making early watch‑list recognition a significant milestone for any player aspiring to join that distinguished group.
As the 2026 season unfolds, the performances of Hanson, Baker and Reed will continue to be scrutinized by voters and analysts alike. Their early accolades not only reflect individual excellence but also highlight the competitive depth of the BIG EAST, a conference that has consistently contributed to the national conversation around collegiate soccer excellence.