After winning the Big 12 tournament last year, women’s soccer head coach Angela Kelly has led her team to a 6–0–1 record, remaining unbeaten with one game left before its SEC debut.
While the Longhorns look primed to take on the new conference, here are some of the top teams that will challenge them for an SEC championship.
No. 6 Arkansas Razorbacks (5-0-1)
The reigning regular-season champion, the Razorbacks are back in rhythm after scoring 35 goals and only conceding five Their only tie came against a ranked opponent in a 2-2 game versus then-No. 8 Michigan State.
The Razorback attack is led by graduate forward Kate Doyle, who recorded seven goals and three assists. Fellow graduate forward Ava Tankersley leads in assists alongside sophomore forward Bella Field, producing five each.
The Razorbacks are out for revenge, despite finishing with the best record in the SEC last year, as the team eventually fell short in the SEC tournament final, losing 1-0 versus Georgia. The loss came at the expense of making a goal on themselves early in the game.
No. 13 Auburn Tigers (7-0)
After losing their two exhibition games, the Tigers have been undefeated and have yet to concede a goal. Two of their wins came at home versus ranked opponents, defeating then-No. 5 Clemson 4-0 and No. 17 Ohio State 1-0. Auburn has also proved to be able to play away from home, outsourcing their two away opponents with a combined score of 11-0.
Defensively, graduate goalkeeper Maddie Prohaska has only needed to make nine saves. Leading the attack, sophomore forward Olivia Woodson is joined by redshirt junior forward Shelby Sallee, combining for 10 goals and four assists. Second-Team All-SEC midfielder Anna Haddock returns to the team as well. The graduate has scored three goals and assisted six times.
No. 16 Texas Longhorns (6-0-1)
The Texas Longhorns are looking to build off where they ended last season after winning the Big 12 tournament. While the SEC is new territory for Kelly’s team, the Longhorns’ mix of experience and newcomers could prove to be the X-factor.
Leading the front line, senior midfielder Lexi Missimo has scored six goals and assisted three. Unfortunately, she is without senior forward Trinity Byars, who went down with an injury on Sept. 1 versus Central Michigan and has not played since. However, freshman forward Amalia Villarreal has stepped up, providing two goals and three assists over three starts. Defensively, senior goalkeeper Mia Justus is back in between the sticks, forcing five shutouts. Justus has done it with the help of graduate defender Madison Haugen, who transferred from Georgia.
No. 24 Alabama Crimson Tide (6-2)
After losing on penalties in the SEC tournament quarterfinals last year, Alabama has been on a roll in its preseason. However, the Crimson Tide are looking to make another run in the SEC with multiple All-SEC Honorees returning to the team.
Junior forward Gianna Paul and graduate defender Gessica Skorka are two 2023 All-SEC First-Teamers returning to the side. Bringing experience on both sides of the ball, they will be paired with sophomore midfielder Nadia Ramadan, who was a part of the SEC All-Freshman team last year. Together, Paul and Ramadan have scored 10 goals and assisted two. Defensively, Skorta has been a starter in all three shutouts.
Kentucky Wildcats (7-0)
After upsetting No. 9 UCLA 2-0, the Kentucky Wildcats remain unbeaten and are hoping to carry the momentum into conference play.
Heading into the season, the Wildcats were without forward Jordyn Rhodes, who had finished her collegiate career as a graduate student in 2023 and led the team with 22 points. However, this year, with four goals and one assist, senior Makala Woods has stepped up. The forward converted the penalty to win the game versus UCLA. Senior defender Grace Phillpotts returns to the defense after receiving Second Team All-SEC honors last year.
