Insider Look: Big Ten Women’s Soccer in 2025
A closer look at the teams, talent, and triumphs shaping this season
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The Big Ten Conference is cementing its place as a women's soccer powerhouse in 2025. All eight teams ranked in the preseason top 25 made the NCAA Tournament last season and secured at least one postseason victory. Let's take a look at the conference and its top contenders.
A Conference Built on Strength
The Big Ten is positioned to raise the bar in 2025. The conference's eight preseason ranked teams represent a mix of seasoned winners and rising programs, each hungry to prove themselves on the national stage. They include:
USC (No. 5)
UCLA (No. 8)
Penn State (No. 11)
Michigan State (No. 12)
Iowa (No. 13)
Ohio State (No. 18)
Wisconsin (No. 23)
Minnesota (No. 24)
Collectively, these teams embody what makes the Big Ten so exciting: top teams going head-to-head with hardware on the line.
(You can also see the conference's preseason rankings here).
USC: Leading the Pack
USC kicks off the season ranked No. 5 nationally after a historic 2024 season where it captured its first-ever Big Ten regular season championship. Undefeated in 2024 conference play (10-0-1), the Trojans enter 2025 as the Big Ten's preseason favorite.
Though they’ll be adjusting to the departure of their top five scorers, the Trojans have a deep roster ready to step up.
Junior Maribel Flores, who played for Mexico at the U20 World Cup last season, will lead the attack
2024 Big Ten All-Freshman Team standout Faith George is positioned to make a jump in her sophomore campaign after recording three assists in her first five collegiate games
After advancing to the Elite 8 last season, the Trojans are well-situated for another deep run. They're seeking their first NCAA title since 2016
USC opens its season with six straight home games. See the Trojans' full schedule.
UCLA: Tournament Champions on the Rise
At No. 8 in the national rankings, UCLA is ready to build on its Big Ten Tournament title from last season. The Bruins, who captured the 2022 NCAA Championship, are a team stacked with talent and experience:
Lexi Wright, a top offensive threat, was third on the team in goals and points in 2023 prior to redshirting last season
The Bruins have bolstered their squad with transfer Jennie Immethun from TCU. She led the Horned Frogs to seven shutouts last year as a second team All-Big 12 defender
Senior Emma Egizii is back after recovering from a season-ending injury in 2024
The Bruins have tough matchups on their schedule, including No. 13 Iowa, No. 23 Wisconsin, and crosstown rival No. 5 USC. See UCLA's full 2025 schedule.
Penn State: Rich Tradition, Bright Future
Ranked No. 11, Penn State continues to be a perennial contender under head coach Erica Dambach, who is entering her 19th season with the Nittany Lions.
With a storied history that includes a fifteen-year Big Ten title streak, the Nittany Lions are hungry for their first NCAA Championship since 2015 after reaching the Elite 8 last season.
Kaitlyn MacBean, a 2024 All-American and All-Big Ten First Team selection, is the conference’s top returning goal scorer and points leader
Aubrey Kulpa, who was second on the team with seven goals last year, will be key to Penn State’s success
The Nittany Lions will look to Molly Martin (midfielder) and Amelia White (forward) to rise up and fill gaps after last year's departures
With a history of excellence and a proven track record, Penn State is poised for another stellar campaign, starting with a clash with No. 4 Duke. See the Nittany Lions' full schedule.
Rising Stars Across the Conference
Several talented players across the league are ready to make their mark, including:
Maggie Illig (Michigan State, No. 12): An All-Big Ten performer who has been key to the Spartan defense
Millie Greer (Iowa, No. 13): A defensive anchor who helped Iowa secure 12 shutouts in 2024
Amanda Schlueter (Ohio State, No. 18): A dynamic playmaker with 10 goals and a conference-leading 12 assists last season
Hailey Baumann (Wisconsin, No. 23): A 2024 All-Big Ten selection who was called up to the U.S. U19 and U20 Youth National Team camps
Paige Kalal (Minnesota, No. 24): A creative midfielder who had 10 assists in 2024, key to Minnesota’s attack
Check out the Big Ten’s preseason poll and a full list of players to watch this fall.
The 2025 Season Kicks Off
The Big Ten women’s soccer season starts on Thursday, August 14, with exciting opening matchups: No. 11 Penn State takes on No. 4 Duke, while No. 13 Iowa faces No. 6 Arkansas. (Full conference schedule here).
The Big Ten will have a handful of national contenders through the 2025 season. The question isn’t whether these teams will win—it’s just how far they’ll go.