With the NCAA season complete and the 2024 champions crowned, the most prestigious individual honor in NCAA Division I soccer has taken center stage as the 2024 women’s finalists for the MAC Hermann Trophy were announced this week. The trio of elite players includes North Carolina junior forward Kate Faasse, Duke graduate midfielder Maggie Graham, and Wake Forest junior forward Caiya Hanks. These standouts were chosen based on voting by NCAA Division I women’s soccer coaches, with the winner being announced on January 3, 2025.
Kate Faasse – North Carolina
Kate Faasse lit up the collegiate soccer world in 2024, leading the nation with 20 goals and adding four assists. Her heroics powered North Carolina to its 23rd NCAA National Championship—their first since 2012, and in their first season without longtime coach Anson Dorrance. The Phoenix, Arizona native’s seven game-winning goals, including a golden goal in the NCAA Quarterfinals, highlighted her knack for delivering in high-pressure moments.
Faasse’s breakout junior season has been historic, becoming the first Tar Heel since Crystal Dunn (2012) to record over 40 points in a season. Her postseason dominance, featuring five braces, underscores her immense value to a program rich in championship tradition and solidifies her place among legends like Mia Hamm and Kristine Lilly.
Maggie Graham – Duke
Maggie Graham’s journey to becoming a MAC Hermann finalist is a testament to perseverance and growth. In her final season with Duke, Graham exploded offensively, netting a team-high 14 goals—seven of which came against ranked opponents—and adding five assists. The Atlanta native also ranked among the nation’s best with five game-winning goals, propelling Duke to an ACC Regular Season title and the NCAA College Cup. Graham, named ACC Midfielder of the Year, became a cornerstone of Duke’s historic campaign, which ended with an 18-3-1 record. She joined an exclusive club of Blue Devils to appear in over 100 career matches, demonstrating her consistency and ability to be a player her team could depend on.
Caiya Hanks – Wake Forest
Caiya Hanks etched her name into Wake Forest history in 2024, becoming the program’s first-ever MAC Hermann finalist. The forward from Hawaii recorded 11 goals and 12 assists, breaking school records for single-season assists and points. Her stellar play fueled Wake Forest’s run to its first-ever NCAA Championship appearance and a 16-4-4 record.
Hanks thrived in critical moments, tying for the NCAA Tournament lead with 11 points and breaking records with her creative playmaking. Her performances against top competition, including goals in matches against defending national champion Florida State and Stanford, last year’s runners up, showcased her ability to shine on the biggest stage. Still a junior, Hanks has already cemented her legacy at Wake Forest while raising the program's profile nationally.
The MAC Hermann Trophy and NWSL Connections
Since its establishment in 1967 and inclusion of women’s soccer in 1988, the MAC Hermann Trophy has become the pinnacle of individual achievement in NCAA soccer. In 2002, the MAC Trophy merged with the Hermann Trophy, and since then, 11 winners have gone on to play in the NWSL. Notable alums include former USWNT stars Mia Hamm (Angel City FC co-owner) and Kristine Lilly (Boston co-owner), along with reigning league standouts like Michelle Cooper and Christen Press. Three NWSL players have won the award twice: recently retired and three-time NWSL Champion Christine Sinclair, 2024 NWSL Champion Morgan Gautrat (née Brian), and Jaelin Howell.
Half of the 22 winners have played in the NWSL, reflecting the league’s strong ties to collegiate excellence, with seven former winners set to play in the league again in 2025.
Former MAC Hermann Trophy Winners Who Played in the NWSL:
- Michelle Cooper (Kansas City Current) - Duke, 2022
- Jaelin Howell (Seattle Reign FC) - FSU, 2020 & 2021
- Andi Sullivan (Washington Spirit) - Stanford, 2017
- Rocky Rodríguez (Angel City FC) - Penn State, 2015
- Morgan Brian (Orlando Pride) - Virginia, 2013 & 2014
- Crystal Dunn (Gotham FC) - UNC, 2012
- Teresa Noyola (Houston Dash) - Stanford, 2011
- Christen Press (Angel City FC) - Stanford, 2010
- Kelley O’Hara (Gotham FC) - Stanford, 2009
- Christine Sinclair (Portland Thorns) - Portland State, 2004 & 2005
- Cat Reddick (Boston Breakers) - UNC, 2003