With a new year comes a new season with new faces in new places. This past NCAA season was filled with talent and many players are ready for the next level. Where will these players suit up next? Here we’ll take a look at a few NCAA players who will be going pro and where they intend to get their first taste of professional soccer.
Jasmine Aikey (Stanford → Denver Summit FC)
From her time at Stanford, Aikey has been an excellent soccer star. Recording 89 appearances and scoring 43 goals at Stanford has asserted Aikey as a prominent target for all professional clubs. Luckily for Denver, Aikey signed with them before their inaugural season kicks off in March of this year.
Fresh off winning the MAC Herman Trophy in 2025, Aikey has the potential to be the NWSL’s next rising star. With her intelligence and creativity on the frontline, Denver is sure to be a team with a lot of promise. Aikey won’t be the only NCAA player heading to Denver. Let’s see who else will be joining the Summit.
Yuna McCormack (FSU → Denver Summit FC)
2025 National Championship winner, Yuna McCormack from Florida State University, recently signed with the Denver Summit on a 3-year deal. Her electric play in the midfield area will surely help set a strong attacking tone for the club. Her versatility will also be on display, similar to how she was able to secure two game-winning goals during the Seminoles NCAA playoff run.
More excitingly, McCormack will be reuniting with USL W club teammate Jasmine Aikey. The two played for SF Glens team in 2023-2024. How will this connection blossom in Denver? We best keep an eye out for the two during the 2026 NWSL season!
Shae Harvey (Stanford → Portland Thorns FC)
Although not heading to Denver like AIkey, Harvey did play with Aikey at Stanford and is set to make an impact in Portland. At Stanford, she recorded 73 appearances and 11 goals. Harvey’s accolades speak for themselves, such as being ranked the number 1 midfield in America during the 2023 NCAA season.
Portland is known for a highly skilled midfield, with Fleming and Moultrie, but with the recent departure of Sam Coffey, Harvey can potentially fill that gap. Regardless, as a midfielder, Harvey is likely excited and eager to work with Fleming and Moultrie.
Valerie Vargas (UCLA → Monterrey)
After appearing for the Bruins in 54 matches, Vargas signed with CF Monterrey Femenil under a 1-year contract. As an attacking midfielder, Vargas continues to seek to be a playmaker and difference maker on the pitch. As a Bruin, Vargas recorded 6 goals and 7 assists. She also received Third-Team All-Big Ten honors in 2024.
Vargas is Mexican-American and represents Mexico at the national level. She was a key factor in helping the U-20 squad win the 2023 CONCACAF Women’s U-20 Championship.
Kate Faasse (UNC → Houston Dash)
Coming from the UNC Tar Heels, Faasse, like many UNC alumni, has the skills and talent to excel at the professional level. After recording 35 goals in 88 appearances as a Tar Heel, Faasse has proven to be an offensive talent that requires opponents to be extra aware of her presence. Her winning mentality was on display during her Tar Heel days, earning her the 2024 MAC Herman Trophy. In that same year, Faasse led the Tar Heels to the national championship with 20 goals in 27 matches.
Her outstanding collegiate career should excite Houston Dash fans as Faasse is set to reignite the organization with hope and tenacity.
Kat Rader (Duke → Houston Dash)
While playing as a Blue Devil, Rader put up quite the numbers in her 4 years at Duke. In 65 appearances, she was able to record 32 goals and 20 assists. Along with Fasse, Rader will be on the offensive line as a forward. Her strength on the frontline and ability to finish are definite skills Dash is in need of in order to develop an effective offense.
With that, Rader is sure to bring efficient talent to Houston and potentially move Dash up the ladder in the NWSL.
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