The 2026 Preseason All‑Big 12 Soccer Team has been announced, and three members of the West Virginia University women’s soccer program earned spots on the prestigious list. Bailey Herfurth, Anna Hauer and Nyema Ingleton were recognized for their performances during the 2025 campaign, highlighting a Mountaineers squad that finished tied for third in the conference’s early poll.
Herfurth’s Early Dominance
Herfurth entered her sophomore season with a reputation for shot‑stopping, and she lived up to the hype. She started 18 of 20 games, went unbeaten in her first five starts, and posted a career‑high 1,693 minutes between the posts. Her 13 wins, 46 saves and nine solo shutouts placed her atop the national leaders in goals‑against average at midseason.
Anna Hauer, who joined the program in 2025, contributed four goals and five assists while logging 1,491 minutes across 21 appearances. Her consistent presence in the lineup helped the team maintain momentum throughout the year.
Ingleton’s Defensive Impact
Nyema Ingleton led the Mountaineers in minutes played, surpassing 1,797 for the season and featuring in 13 matches where she completed the full 90 minutes. Her role anchored a defense that recorded 11 shutouts, including five in Big 12 competition and a clean sheet in the NCAA Tournament.
Mountaineers in the Big 12 Landscape
The preseason poll placed West Virginia in a tie for third with 182 points and a single first‑place vote. TCU topped the voting with 222 points and 13 first‑place ballots, while Colorado followed in second with 187 points. The rankings reflect both the respect for the Mountaineers’ recent achievements and the competitive depth of the league.
Coaches across the conference selected the All‑Big 12 teams and the poll, adhering to a rule that bars them from voting for their own squads or players. This process ensures a league‑wide perspective while highlighting standout performances from across the region.
With the preseason accolades and a favorable poll position, the Mountaineers enter the upcoming campaign with heightened expectations. The blend of veteran experience and emerging talent suggests a promising season, and fans will be watching closely as the team aims to translate early promise into conference success.