Five USL W League alums were among the 15 semifinalists announced on Tuesday for the 2025 MAC Hermann Trophy. The MAC Hermann Trophy is the most coveted individual honor in NCAA Division I soccer and has been awarded annually since 1967. 

Seven Castain (Utah United, TCU), Elise Evans (San Francisco Glens SC, Stanford), Leah Klenke (AHFC Royals, Notre Dame), Finley Lavin (Eagle FC, Memphis) and Hannah McLaughlin (Tennessee SC, Vanderbilt) were all named as semifinalists for the first time this year. 

Castain’s 17 goals are currently tied for the single-season program record, and her 38 points rank second in program history for a single season. The senior has scored five goals so far in this NCAA Tournament, leading TCU to its first College Cup appearance. Castain was named the W League 2025 Player of the Year after helping Utah United to a league title in its inaugural season. She also won the Golden Boot after scoring 17 goals during the regular season before adding four more in the playoffs. 

Evans was recently named ACC Defensive Player of the Year, All-ACC First Team and ACC All-Tournament. As team captain and team leader in minutes played (1,976), the center back has accumulated seven goals, including two game-winners, and six assists for 20 points. Stanford has managed eight shutouts this year with Evans directing the back line. Evans has played three seasons in the W League with San Francisco Glens and led the team to the National Semifinals in 2023. 

Klenke has also received multiple awards this season with the Fighting Irish, including her third straight USC All-Atlantic Region honor and her fourth-straight All-ACC honor. The senior was also named to the ACC Championship All-Tournament Team. Klenke has played two seasons with AHFC Royals, and she helped the team win the Lone Star Division and advance to the playoffs in 2024. 

Lavin captained the Tigers in their historic season, finishing 17-1-3, tying for the second-most wins in program history. She played every minute in 17 of 21 matches, anchoring a Memphis backline that conceded six goals in the regular season and posted 14 shutouts. Lavin played her first season with Eagle FC this summer, helping the team earn its third-consecutive Mid-Atlantic Division title. 

Laughlin, a senior defender, started in all 24 contests for the Commodores in a season that saw the program’s first-ever Elite Eight appearance. She anchored a defense that recorded 14 shutouts and conceded just 14 goals. Laughlin played her first season with Tennessee SC this summer. 

Three women’s finalists will be named for the award on Wednesday, Dec. 10. Fans are encouraged to vote for their favorite player. Go to MACHermannTrophy.org for the women’s semifinal ballot.