A Rising Star in College Soccer
Kennedy Ball, the Arkansas midfielder who helped the Razorbacks capture their fifth SEC regular‑season title since 2019, has been selected to the 2026 NCAA Division I Women’s Midfielders to Watch List by United Soccer Coaches. The honor highlights not only her individual brilliance but also the program’s sustained excellence on the national stage.
Ball’s 2025 campaign was nothing short of spectacular. She earned First Team All‑SEC honors and contributed directly to Arkansas’s midfield dominance, finishing the regular season as the conference’s top assist provider with five helpers.
Her impact extended beyond assists; she led the Razorbacks with seven assists and ranked second on the team with 11 total points. Those numbers placed her among the most influential players in the SEC and set the foundation for the team’s recent run of conference success.
Road to the Season Opener
Fans will get their first chance to see Ball in action during the Razorbacks’ final preseason exhibition on August 8 at Memphis. The matchup against the Memphis squad will serve as a crucial test of chemistry as the team fine‑tunes its tactics before the official start of play.
Just four days later, Arkansas will open its regular season at home against Baylor on August 12. The opener promises to be a marquee event, pitting the Razorbacks’ newly‑crowned SEC champions against a program that consistently challenges for national honors.
Beyond the immediate schedule, Ball’s presence adds a dynamic element to Arkansas’s offensive arsenal. Her vision, work rate, and ability to deliver in clutch moments make her a focal point for opponents and a cornerstone for the Razorbacks’ championship aspirations.
As the SEC landscape continues to evolve, the combination of Ball’s experience and the team’s tradition of excellence positions Arkansas as a formidable contender. The upcoming season offers a platform for her to further cement her legacy while driving the Razorbacks toward another deep run in the conference and beyond.