Soccer is a sport that is growing in popularity among young women in the United States. If you are a talented player and are looking to continue your career at the collegiate level, you have many options. In this blog post, we will highlight some of the best schools for women’s soccer in the United States.
What are the best colleges for women’s soccer? Here is the top 15 list:
1. Duke University
Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke University is home to one of the country’s most successful women’s soccer programs. The Duke Blue Devils have won eight NCAA Division I championships, including five consecutive titles from 1992-1996. Duke also boasts 31 All-Americans, including Mia Hamm, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. If you are looking for a school with a winning tradition, Duke is definitely worth considering.
2. University of North Carolina
The University of North Carolina Tar Heels is another team with a rich tradition of success in women’s soccer. UNC has won 21 NCAA Division I championships, including nine consecutive titles from 1986-1994. The Tar Heels have also produced numerous professional players, including crystal Dunn, Tobin Heath, and Heather O’Reilly. UNC offers a great mix of athletics and academics, making it one of the country’s best women’s soccer colleges.
3. Santa Clara University
Santa Clara University is located in Santa Clara, California, and is home to one of the most successful women’s soccer programs on the West Coast. The Broncos have won 12 West Coast Conference championships and have made 16 NCAA tournament appearances. Santa Clara has also produced two Hermann Trophy winners (given to the best player in college soccer), Aly Wagner and Julie Foudy. If you want to play soccer on the West Coast, Santa Clara should definitely be on your list.
4. Portland University
The Portland Pilots have been one of the most successful programs in women’s soccer over the past two decades. The Pilots have won 16 West Coast Conference championships and have made 19 NCAA tournament appearances, including a trip to the Final Four in 2005. Portland has also produced numerous professional players, including Megan Rapinoe and Christine Sinclair. If you want to play for a winning program on the West Coast, Portland is a great option.
5. University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame is one of the most prestigious universities in the country and is also home to a very successful women’s soccer program. The Fighting Irish have won two NCAA Division I championships and have made 20 NCAA tournament appearances. Notre Dame has also produced numerous professional players, including Alycia Naeher and Melissa Henderson. If you are looking for a school with a great academic reputation, Notre Dame is definitely worth considering.
6. University of Virginia
The University of Virginia Cavaliers is one of the most successful programs in women’s soccer history. UVa has won four NCAA Division I championships and has made 22 NCAA tournament appearances. The Cavaliers have also produced numerous professional players, including Angela Hucles and Abby Wambach. If you are looking for a school with a winning tradition, Virginia is definitely worth considering.
7. Georgetown University
Georgetown University is located in Washington, D.C., and is home to one of the country’s most successful women’s soccer programs. The Hoyas have won nine Big East Conference championships and have made 17 NCAA tournament appearances. Georgetown has also produced numerous professional players, including Joanna Lohman and Ingrid Wells. If you want to play soccer in a major metropolitan area, Georgetown is definitely worth considering.
8. Rutgers University
Rutgers University is located in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and is home to one of the East Coast’s most successful women’s soccer programs. The Scarlet Knights have won 11 Big East Conference championships and have made 15 NCAA tournament appearances. Rutgers has also produced numerous professional players, including Carli Lloyd and Shannon Boxx. If you are looking for a school with a winning tradition on the East Coast, Rutgers is definitely worth considering.
9. University of California, Berkeley
The University of California, Berkeley, is located in Berkeley, California, and is home to one of the most successful women’s soccer programs on the West Coast. The Golden Bears have won 12 Pac-12 Conference championships and have made 17 NCAA tournament appearances. Cal has also produced numerous professional players, including Alex Morgan and Rachel Buehler. If you want to play soccer on the West Coast, Cal is definitely worth considering.
10. University of Southern California
The University of Southern California is located in Los Angeles, California, and is home to one of the most successful women’s soccer programs on the West Coast. The Trojans have won eight Pac-12 Conference championships and have made 20 NCAA tournament appearances. USC has also produced numerous professional players, including Julie Foudy and Mia Hamm. If you want to play soccer on the West Coast, USC is definitely worth considering.
11. University of Florida
The University of Florida Gators is one of the most successful programs in women’s soccer history. UF has won six SEC championships and has made 22 NCAA tournament appearances. The Gators have also produced numerous professional players, including Abby Wambach and Heather Mitts. If you are looking for a school with a winning tradition, Florida is definitely worth considering.
12. Stanford University
Stanford University is located in Stanford, California, and is home to one of the most successful women’s soccer programs on the West Coast. The Cardinal have won 15 Pac-12 Conference championships and have made 31 NCAA tournament appearances. Stanford has also produced numerous professional players, including Kelley O’Hara and Christen Press. If you want to play soccer on the West Coast, Stanford is definitely worth considering.
13. Pepperdine University
Pepperdine University is located in Malibu, California, and is home to one of the most successful women’s soccer programs on the West Coast. The Waves have won 11 West Coast Conference championships and have made 34 NCAA tournament appearances. Pepperdine has also produced numerous professional players, including Alex Morgan and Sydney Leroux. If you want to play soccer on the West Coast, Pepperdine is definitely worth considering.
14. University of Virginia
The University of Virginia Cavaliers is one of the most successful programs in women’s soccer history. UVa has won 12 ACC championships and has made 35 NCAA tournament appearances. The Cavaliers have also produced numerous professional players, including Abby Wambach and Heather O’Reilly. If you are looking for a school with a winning tradition, Virginia is definitely worth considering.
15. Marquette University
Marquette University is located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is home to one of the most successful women’s soccer programs in the Midwest. The Golden Eagles have won 10 Big East Conference championships and have made 36 NCAA tournament appearances. Marquette has also produced numerous professional players, including Megan Rapinoe and Christine Sinclair. If you want to play soccer in the Midwest, Marquette is definitely worth considering.
Conclusion
One would think that this list would be pretty much the same as the 20 Of The Best Men’s Soccer Colleges, but for some reasons, female’s soccer programs are slightly better at different schools.
These are just a few of the best women’s soccer colleges in the United States. There are many other great schools out there that offer superb programs for student-athletes. Do your research and find a school that best fits you athletically, academically, and socially. And always remember to have fun! Soccer should be enjoyable first and foremost.
There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing a school, but doing your research will help you find the best fit for you. Good luck!