The United Soccer Coaches have unveiled their 2026 preseason watch lists, and among the 40 defenders named is Boise State's own Kaitlyn Slocum. The senior anchor of the Broncos' backline earned the nod after a 2025 season that saw the team record six shutouts and claim a Mountain West Championship berth.
Defensive Excellence Recognized
Slocum's accolades extend beyond the watch list. She was named to the United Soccer Coaches All-Pacific Region first team and earned All-Mountain West second team honors in 2025. Over 14 starts in 15 appearances, she logged every minute of nine matches, including a full 110 minutes in both the semifinal and championship game of the Mountain West Tournament.
Her impact was not limited to defense; Slocum recorded her first collegiate assist against New Mexico, contributing a point that underscored her growing influence on the attack. The Broncos' goalkeeper, Ava de Leest, had previously been recognized on the Goalkeeper Watch List, making the duo a cornerstone of Boise State's defensive stability.
A Pac-12 Presence on the National Stage
Slocum joins two fellow Pac-12 defenders — Victoria Meza of Texas State and Summer Sofonia of Utah State — on the watch list, underscoring the conference's depth at the back. Their inclusion reflects a competitive regional landscape that continues to produce top-tier talent for the national stage.
The watch list is part of a series of positional previews released by United Soccer Coaches ahead of the 2026 season. Full lists will be announced on August 12, 2025, but the early recognition already sets expectations for Slocum and her teammates as they prepare for the season opener at home against CSUN on August 12 at 7 p.m. MT.