Old Dominion’s women’s soccer program celebrated a milestone as midfielders Ashlynn Kulha and defender Libby Holmes earned spots on the 2026 Hermann Trophy watch list, the premier recognition for the nation’s top collegiate players
A Defensive Duo Making History
Kulha, a back‑to‑back Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year, anchored a backline that recorded six shutouts and limited opponents to just one shot in a 2‑0 victory over Maryland. Her consistency helped the Monarchs rank second in the conference for goals allowed and goals against average
Holmes, who transferred from ULM where she contributed to a Sun Belt regular‑season championship, added 14 points last season and delivered a standout performance with five points against Troy. Her ability to score and assist from the defensive line highlighted her all‑region and all‑conference honors
The watch list, curated by United Soccer Coaches and presented by the Missouri Athletic Club, began with 43 nominees and will be trimmed to 15 semifinalists by early December, with the final three announced in January and the winner revealed later that month
Both players exemplify the defensive excellence that has defined Old Dominion’s recent success and signal a promising future for a program that continues to compete at the highest level of Division I soccer