Virginia’s senior goalkeeper Victoria Safradin was announced on July 31, 2026 as one of the players placed on the 2026 MAC Hermann Trophy Goalkeepers to Watch list, a preseason acknowledgment that highlights the nation’s most promising net‑minders.
A season of milestones
During the 2025 campaign Safradin compiled a 13‑3‑5 record, recorded 11 shutouts and earned All‑Region honors before being selected to the All‑ACC team by the league’s coaches. Her consistency helped the Cavaliers secure a No. 1 seed in the 2025 NCAA Tournament and advance to the Round of 16, marking a historic achievement for the program.
Her impact was most evident in the ACC Tournament quarterfinals against Florida State, where she delivered a decisive penalty save that propelled Virginia into the semifinals and underscored her reputation as a clutch performer.
Looking ahead to 2026
The Cavaliers will open the 2026 season on August 12, hosting Northwestern at Klöckner Stadium with a 7 p.m. kickoff. Admission to all home matches is free to the public, and the team will also stage an exhibition against Maryland on August 5 at the same venue to build momentum before the official schedule begins.
Behind the scenes
The recognition reflects collaboration among key stakeholders in college soccer, including United Soccer Coaches, the Division I All‑America Committee and the Virginia Cavaliers organization, each of which contributed to the selection process and the promotion of the sport at the national level.
Safradin’s journey is rooted in the Mid‑Atlantic region, with strong ties to Charlottesville, Virginia, and broader connections to states such as Florida, Maryland and the campus community of Northwestern University, all of which contribute to the geographic tapestry that shapes her development.