Watch List Spotlight: Temple’s Emerging Stars
Temple University’s women’s soccer program is celebrating a notable milestone as three of its standout players have been selected for the 2026 American Conference Women’s Soccer Watch List. The recognition highlights not only individual excellence but also the growing prominence of the Owls on the national stage.
Maddie Ward has been a steady presence in the midfield, logging more than 1,600 minutes during her freshman campaign and already adding two goals to the scoreboard. Her contributions came in decisive victories over Saint Peter’s and Lincoln (Pa.), underscoring her ability to influence the game when it matters most.
Amaya Hill’s impact has been even more expansive. She tied the MAAC single‑season record with 12 assists in 2025, a tally that tops the conference and places her second in the entire NCAA Division I. Hill’s knack for creating scoring chances was on full display in back‑to‑back matches against Wagner and Fordham, where she found the net, and she repeatedly sparked offense with multi‑assist performances against Iona, Mount St. Mary’s and Fairfield. In the summer, she tested herself in the USL W League with Hudson Valley Crusaders, scoring a brace in a 4‑3 win over New Jersey Copa FC.
A Rising Talent Pool
Giovanna Echavarria arrives at Temple with a decorated high‑school résumé. She was named Union County Player of the Year as a senior and collected a string of All‑State and All‑League honors. Her accolades include First Team All‑Union County and All‑State as a junior, First Team All‑Mountain Division as a sophomore, and the same Mountain Division recognition plus All‑State status as a freshman.
The American Athletic Conference, which oversees the watch list, sees the trio as a barometer for the league’s competitive depth. As the 2026 season approaches, coaches and analysts alike will be watching how these players translate their collegiate promise into on‑field results.