Texas soccer had a 2024 season to remember, winning the Southeastern Conference tournament, the first SEC trophy in Texas Athletics history.
After the season, the Longhorns had a whopping 10 players sign professional contracts. Let’s take a look at how some of those players are faring in the pros.
Lexi Missimo
After an illustrious career at Texas, becoming the program’s all-time points leader, midfielder Lexi Missimo surprised many by signing for the Dallas Trinity of the USL Super League instead of a team in the National Women’s Soccer League.
“It’s just a perfect fit for me and my family. And everything about it just was better in my opinion,” Missimo told Front Office Sports.
So far, Missimo has made five appearances for the Trinity, scoring two goals.
Trinity Byars
After suffering a season-ending ACL injury early in the 2024 season, the star forward signed with the San Diego Wave of the NWSL. Trinity Byars’ signing made headlines as she became the first NCAA player to sign a NWSL contract after the league abandoned its draft. On Nov. 9, Byars made her pro debut 434 days after her devastating injury, coming off the bench in the Wave’s 1-0 quarterfinal loss to the Portland Thorns.
Holly Ward
The Canadian striker decided to return to her home country after college, signing with Vancouver Rise FC of the Northern Super League. Holly Ward had a standout season with eight goals. On Saturday, Ward made history, scoring the winning goal in the NSL final and helping the Rise win the title in the league’s inaugural season.
“It feels so good. I’m honestly slightly overwhelmed,” Ward said after the match.
Mia Justus
The Longhorns’ brick wall in front of the goal in 2024 signed with the Utah Royals of the NWSL.
Unfortunately, Mia Justus hasn’t had many opportunities as the backup goalie to Mandy McGlynn, but she’s impressed in both of her appearances, recording 12 saves and conceding just one goal. The Royals had a season to forget, finishing 12th out of 14 teams in the league.
Lauren Lapomarda
Defender Lauren Lapomarda has had an interesting start to her pro career. She signed with Italian side Parma Calcio out of college before joining Missimo in Dallas with the Trinity. There, Lapomarda hasn’t made an appearance yet, but there’s still plenty of games left in their 2025-26 season.
Jilly Shimkin
Midfielder Jilly Shimkin, sister of Texas sophomore defender Chloe Shimkin, signed with USL Super League team the Tampa Bay Sun after the 2024 season. Shimkin has appeared in nine games for the Sun, but has not recorded a goal or assist yet.
Madison Haugen
Defender Madison Haugen made a move to Sporting CP in Portugal, and so far, she has impressed. Haugen is a regular starter for Sporting and has even contributed to its attack, scoring five goals in all competitions.
