TopDrawerSoccer National Player of the Year Awards
In the competitive landscape of American college soccer, the TopDrawerSoccer.com National Player of the Year Award stands as a prestigious recognition of individual excellence. Established in 2011, this annual honor is bestowed upon the most outstanding men's and women's players in the collegiate circuit, highlighting the talent and dedication required to reach the pinnacle of the sport.
Beyond the overall player of the year, the organization also recognizes emerging talent through the National Freshman of the Year award, ensuring that the next generation of stars is celebrated from their first year of eligibility.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบ
Key Facts
- Established: The awards have been presented annually since 2011.
- Scope: Honors the best men's and women's players in American college soccer.
- Top Institution: Stanford University leads the total count of winners.
- Freshman Recognition: Separate National Freshman of the Year awards are given for both men and women.
- Global Talent: Winners include athletes from various nationalities, including the USA, Canada, Mexico, Ghana, and Senegal.
National Player of the Year: Men's and Women's Honors
The National Player of the Year award recognizes athletes who demonstrate exceptional skill and impact on the field. While many winners are domestic talents, the award has also highlighted international players who have excelled in the American collegiate system.
Men's Award Winners
The men's category has seen a diverse range of positions honored, from forwards like Darren Mattocks (2011) and Jordan Morris (2015) to goalkeepers like Bryan Dowd (2023). Recent winners include Sam Bassett of Denver in 2024 and Junior Diouf of Grand Canyon in 2025.
Women's Award Winners
The women's category has featured several multi-year winners and dominant programs. Morgan Brian of Virginia secured back-to-back awards in 2013 and 2014, while Catarina Macario of Stanford achieved the same feat in 2018 and 2019. The most recent honoree is Jasmine Aikey from Stanford in 2025.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบ
Institutional Success
Certain universities have established themselves as powerhouses in college soccer, consistently producing award-winning talent. Stanford University stands out as the most successful program in the history of the TopDrawerSoccer awards.
| School | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stanford | 2 | 4 | 6 |
| Virginia | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Georgetown | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Indiana | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Notre Dame | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Penn State | 0 | 2 | 2 |
National Freshman of the Year
To identify the most promising newcomers, TopDrawerSoccer.com names a National Freshman of the Year for both genders. This award often serves as a precursor to future National Player of the Year honors.
Men's Freshman Highlights
The men's freshman award has recognized players from a wide array of schools, including Akron, which produced multiple winners such as João Moutinho (2017) and Carlo Ritaccio (2018). The 2025 recipient is Junior Diouf from Grand Canyon.
Women's Freshman Highlights
The women's freshman award has highlighted future stars like Morgan Brian (2011) and Catarina Macario (2017). The most recent award was given to Y-Lan Nguyen of Stanford in 2025.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบ
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the TopDrawerSoccer National Player of the Year awards begin?
The awards have been given annually since 2011.
Which school has won the most National Player of the Year awards?
Stanford University has won the most awards, with a total of 6 (2 men's and 4 women's).
Can a player win the National Player of the Year award more than once?
Yes. For example, Morgan Brian (Virginia) won in 2013 and 2014, and Catarina Macario (Stanford) won in 2018 and 2019.
What is the National Freshman of the Year award?
It is an annual award given by TopDrawerSoccer.com to the best first-year men's and women's players in American college soccer.
Are international players eligible for these awards?
Yes, players of various nationalities, including those from Jamaica, Ghana, New Zealand, Serbia, and Senegal, have received these honors while playing for American colleges.