NEW ORLEANS – Two Sun Belt Conference women’s soccer standouts, James Madison sophomore forward Ginny Lackey and Old Dominion junior defender Ashlynn Kulha, have been named to the 2025 Missouri Athletic Club (MAC) Hermann Trophy Watch List, as announced by United Soccer Coaches.
 
The Hermann Trophy, considered the highest individual honor in intercollegiate soccer, was first awarded in 1988 and is presented annually by the Missouri Athletic Club to recognize the National Player of the Year as determined by voting of Division I head coaches who are members of United Soccer Coaches.
 
A total of 15 players will be named 2025 Hermann Trophy semifinalists on December 2 at the conclusion of NCAA Division I All-America voting. From that list, head coaches will cast votes, and three players will be named finalists. The 2025 recipient will be announced January 9, 2026, in a ceremony at the historic Missouri Athletic Club in downtown St. Louis, Mo.
 
The Sun Belt’s 2025 Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, Lackey was a 2024 United Soccer Coaches All-America Third Team selection and a MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist. During her debut campaign with the Dukes, Lackey became the first player in conference history to be named Sun Belt Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year in the same season. In addition to receiving All-Sun Belt First Team honors during her debut campaign, she registered a league-leading 34 points in just 16 matches, as her 12 goals tied for first among all players in the league while her 10 assists ranked second.
 
The Sun Belt’s 2025 Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, Kulha also was a 2024 United Soccer Coaches All-America Third Team selection after taking home the Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year award. Kulha pioneered Old Dominion’s defense to nine shutouts while playing every minute in all 20 of the team’s matches last season.
 
The 2025 regular season kicks off Thursday, August 14 with all 14 Sun Belt programs in action against non-conference opponents.
 
For the United Soccer Coaches’ full release with all Watch List honorees, visit here.