Three Memphis women's soccer standouts have been selected for the United Soccer Coaches 2026 Players to Watch list, a preseason acknowledgment that spotlights the most promising talent ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Senior defender Finley Lavin anchored the backline for the Tigers in 2025, starting all 21 matches and helping the team concede just six goals while posting 14 shutouts. Her efforts earned All‑American recognition and a semifinalist nod for the MAC Hermann Trophy, cementing her reputation as one of the nation’s top defenders.
Midfielder Ai Kitagawa, a junior from Itami City, Japan, was named American Conference Midfielder of the Year after contributing 10 goals and five assists in 20 starts. Her decisive 89th‑minute winner against Florida Atlantic highlighted a season that also earned her All‑Conference and All‑South Region First Team honors.
Goalkeeper Abby Kudla, a junior from Strongsville, Ohio, posted a 0.74 goals‑against average and a .736 save percentage across 20 appearances. Her consistency secured United Soccer Coaches All‑South Region First Team, All‑Conference First Team, and American Conference Goalkeeper of the Year accolades.
Season Outlook
The Tigers will open the 2026 season at home against Kennesaw State on August 12, 2026, at 7 p.m., a match that also marks the release of the women's Hermann Trophy Watch List, which will be announced on the same day. Coach and teammates alike anticipate that the trio’s experience and accolades will provide a strong foundation as the program looks to build on its recent successes and compete fiercely in the upcoming schedule.