O'Brien Named to United Soccer Coaches Preseason Goalkeepers to Watch List
7/31/2026 2:42:00 PM | Women's Soccer
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Graduate goalkeeper Mikayla O'Brien was named to the 2026 United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division I Women's Soccer Preseason Goalkeepers to Watch List, recognizing her as one of the nation's top returning goalkeepers.
The goalkeepers watch list is the first of four preseason watch lists to be released, with defenders, midfielders and forwards to follow. The lists recognize All-America and All-Region players from the 2025 season who are scheduled to return for the 2026 campaign.
The watch list is closely tied to the Missouri Athletic Club's Hermann Trophy, the highest individual honor in intercollegiate soccer. United Soccer Coaches Division I College Services members serve as the official voting body for the Hermann Trophy.
The selection process begins before the college soccer season with the release of the preseason watch lists for both the men's and women's awards, compiled by the United Soccer Coaches All-America Committees.
O'Brien was one of 20 women's soccer goalkeepers selected to the preseason watch list.
"I'm incredibly grateful for this recognition, but even more grateful for God's faithfulness throughout my journey," said O'Brien. "It's been such a blessing to do what I love and be surrounded by people who have poured into me both as a player and as a person. Excited for what's ahead this season!"
O'Brien is coming off a stellar 2025 campaign in which she helped lead the Lancers to their second consecutive conference tournament championship. She started and played in all 20 matches, recorded 88 saves, and was named the Western Athletic Conference Goalkeeper of the Year.
She also earned All-WAC First Team and All-WAC Tournament Team honors.
Head coach Kristen St. Clair had high praise for her veteran goalkeeper.
"Well deserved! So happy for Mikayla to be recognized by the United Soccer Coaches Association as one of the top goalkeepers in the nation and one to watch for in 2026!" said St. Clair. "Over the last two championship seasons, Mikayla has worked tirelessly to refine her game, putting herself and her teammates in a position to be successful. Our goalkeeping coach, Jeff Redinger, has done a fantastic job overseeing her development. Mikayla has proven that she is one of the best collegiate goalkeepers in the country, both statistically and in championships won."
O'Brien and the Lancers will look to carry that momentum into the 2026 season as they pursue a third consecutive conference tournament title in their inaugural season as members of the Big West Conference.
The goalkeepers watch list is the first of four preseason watch lists to be released, with defenders, midfielders and forwards to follow. The lists recognize All-America and All-Region players from the 2025 season who are scheduled to return for the 2026 campaign.
The watch list is closely tied to the Missouri Athletic Club's Hermann Trophy, the highest individual honor in intercollegiate soccer. United Soccer Coaches Division I College Services members serve as the official voting body for the Hermann Trophy.
The selection process begins before the college soccer season with the release of the preseason watch lists for both the men's and women's awards, compiled by the United Soccer Coaches All-America Committees.
O'Brien was one of 20 women's soccer goalkeepers selected to the preseason watch list.
"I'm incredibly grateful for this recognition, but even more grateful for God's faithfulness throughout my journey," said O'Brien. "It's been such a blessing to do what I love and be surrounded by people who have poured into me both as a player and as a person. Excited for what's ahead this season!"
O'Brien is coming off a stellar 2025 campaign in which she helped lead the Lancers to their second consecutive conference tournament championship. She started and played in all 20 matches, recorded 88 saves, and was named the Western Athletic Conference Goalkeeper of the Year.
She also earned All-WAC First Team and All-WAC Tournament Team honors.
Head coach Kristen St. Clair had high praise for her veteran goalkeeper.
"Well deserved! So happy for Mikayla to be recognized by the United Soccer Coaches Association as one of the top goalkeepers in the nation and one to watch for in 2026!" said St. Clair. "Over the last two championship seasons, Mikayla has worked tirelessly to refine her game, putting herself and her teammates in a position to be successful. Our goalkeeping coach, Jeff Redinger, has done a fantastic job overseeing her development. Mikayla has proven that she is one of the best collegiate goalkeepers in the country, both statistically and in championships won."
O'Brien and the Lancers will look to carry that momentum into the 2026 season as they pursue a third consecutive conference tournament title in their inaugural season as members of the Big West Conference.
Players Mentioned
GK
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