Duke’s women’s soccer program continues to attract national attention as TopDrawerSoccer.com unveils its preseason Best XI squads, and this year five Blue Devils have earned spots on the prestigious lists. The selections come as the team prepares for a much‑anticipated season opener against Southern California on August 12 in Los Angeles, a match that will test the Blue Devils’ early‑season form. Ranked No. 3 in the nation, Duke enters the campaign with a blend of seasoned veterans and fresh talent, a combination that the outlet’s analysts say could make the squad one of the most dynamic in the ACC.
A Fresh Look at Duke’s Attack
Leading the offensive charge is forward Mia Minestrella, who earned a first‑team Best XI nod after a two‑season stretch that produced 30 goals and 12 assists. In 2025 alone she tallied 18 goals and five assists, a pace that helped her secure United Soccer Coaches All‑America honors and a CSC Academic All‑America selection. Hailing from Redondo Beach, California, Minestrella has accumulated 72 career points, including 41 this past season, and her knack for finding the net has made her a focal point of the Blue Devils’ attacking strategy.
Midfield dynamo Cameron Roller secured second‑team defensive honors, a testament to her reliability between the lines. Roller has started 53 consecutive games for Duke and been part of 29 career shutouts, a record that underscores her consistency as a national‑level defender. A native of Sherman, Texas, she brings a steady presence that has helped the team post 12 shutouts in NCAA Tournament contests, allowing just one goal in those high‑stakes matches.
Sam Courtwright, recognized on the third team as a midfielder, brings a blend of experience and versatility after transferring from Texas Tech in 2025. He has logged 43 appearances at the collegiate level, contributing nine goals and 15 assists, and his arrival adds depth to a midfield that has already shown promise in early practices. Courtwright’s accolades include a 2023 United Soccer Coaches All‑American nod and a 2025 First Team All‑Midwest Region honor, highlighting his growing impact.
Freshman midfielder Rylee McLanahan rounds out the Best XI representation, having been named to the All‑Freshman Team after a standout high school career in Oklahoma. A two‑time Gatorade Player of the Year, she set a single‑season scoring record with 43 goals and once ranked No. 6 nationally among the 2026 class. McLanahan has also spent the past two years training with the U.S. U‑19 Women’s National Team, an experience that could accelerate her adjustment to the college game.
The Blue Devils’ coaching staff is optimistic that the individual recognitions will translate into collective success on the field. With Minestrella’s scoring prowess, Roller’s defensive steadiness, Courtwright’s midfield creativity, King’s lockdown defending, and McLanahan’s fresh energy, Duke aims to build on its preseason momentum. As the team prepares to face Southern California, the excitement among fans and analysts alike is palpable, promising a season that could further cement the program’s resurgence.