Caroline Castans Returns to the Hermann Trophy Watch List
Kansas midfielder Caroline Castans has once again earned a spot on the United Soccer Coaches’ 2026 Women’s Hermann Trophy Watch List, marking her second consecutive year among the preseason elite. The recognition underscores her sustained impact on the collegiate game and places her in the conversation for the nation’s most prestigious individual honor.
Castans’ rise has been anchored in a breakout 2025 season that saw her shatter the school record for assists with 15, while also posting a career‑high 19 points. Her play helped the Jayhawks dominate the Big 12, where she finished tied for third nationally in assists and was selected to the All‑Big 12 First Team. The accolade follows her designation as Big 12 Co‑Scholar‑Athlete of the Year, reflecting both athletic and academic excellence.
How the Hermann Trophy Is Decided
The Hermann Trophy is awarded each year to the National Player of the Year in women’s soccer, a distinction determined by a vote of Division I head coaches across the country. After the regular season, 15 semifinalists are identified on December 4, 2026, based on the NCAA All‑American selections. Those semifinalists are then narrowed to three finalists by the coaches, with the ultimate winner announced on January 8, 2027.
The award’s prestige is amplified by its history: past recipients include many who have gone on to become icons in the professional ranks. For Castans, a repeat appearance on the watch list not only reflects her on‑field dominance but also her growing influence as a role model for student‑athletes balancing rigorous academics with top‑tier competition.
Beyond individual honors, Castans will continue to lead Kansas as they open the 2024 campaign with matches against Utah Valley on August 27 and Tulsa on August 30, events that will give fans an early glimpse of her form heading into the award cycle.