In the early 1970s, the introduction of collegiate women’s soccer in the United States transformed the athletic world for women and girls who love the beautiful game. Since its post-Title IX inception, women’s college soccer programs have grown exponentially from 318 college teams in 1991 to 1,500 today. These programs aren’t just competing at the college level, they’re also developing high-level talent as players go on to play in the NWSL and international clubs.
Making waves on and off the field, these programs have been essential in creating more equity in college sports and demonstrating the importance of developing female athletes for the pro world. Read on to learn more about the top-ranking women’s collegiate teams today and how they’re ranking going into the 2025 season.
| Team | 2024 Record |
|---|---|
| North Carolina | 22–5–0 |
| Notre Dame | 14–4–4 |
| Florida State | 15–2–4 |
| Duke | 18–3–1 |
| USC | 18–1–4 |
| Arkansas | 16–2–3 |
| Stanford | 16–5–2 |
| UCLA | 17–4–3 |
| TCU | 17–4–2 |
| Wake Forest | 16–4–4 |
Current Rankings and Top Teams
Women's soccer at the college level has grown quickly in the United States. Programs like North Carolina, Stanford, and Florida State are prestigious and considered the greats now. Meanwhile, there are lots of underdogs ready to prove themselves, like USC and TCU. No matter who you're rooting for, there's plenty to keep an eye on in the world of women's college soccer this season. These teams are currently soaking in the glory of making the top 10 in the 2024 season. As we go into the 2025 season, we're looking forward to seeing who moves up the ranks and who gets knocked out. If these rankings show anything, it's that this is sure to be a nail-biter of a season.
1. University of North Carolina (UNC)
Record: 22–5–0 in 2024
The University of North Carolina's Tar Heels are considered the gold standard when it comes to collegiate women's soccer. This unstoppable team has brought in 22 national titles over the years. They're the best of the best due to their recruiting strategies, history of championships, and postseason-tested roster. The Tar Heels were previously led by Anson Dorrance and are now led by interim head coach Damon Nahas.
2. University of Notre Dame
Record: 14–4–4
The University of Notre Dame's Fighting Irish are known for their consistency and ability to draw tight matches. Nate Norman is in his eighth year of leading the Fighting Irish to victory. In fact, Norman has supported the team in four straight NCAA Tournament appearances. In the 2024 tournament, they ultimately fell to Stanford in the Elite Eight. Norman's Notre Dame is celebrated for its tactical flexibility and composure.
Nate Norman is in his eighth year as head coach for the Fighting Irish women's soccer team. He's gotten the team to major victories, including NCAA Tournament appearances.
3. Florida State University (FSU)
Record: 15–2–4
Florida State's Seminoles are on the come-up. Headed up by Brian Pensky for the fourth year in a row, the Seminoles are ready to work their way up the rankings. The evidence? It's in their recent string of ACC Tournament wins, combined with their historical championship domination.
4. Duke University
Record: 18–3–1
Duke University's Blue Devils are ACC regular-season champions and boast one of the best win totals in the country. They're known for their momentum and consistency, making them a key contender right now. Robbie Church led the team for 23 seasons, with his final season ending in 2024. Kieran Hall will take his place for the 2025 season. They've got some big games ahead of them after nabbing their first No. 1 overall NCAA seed last year.
5. University of Southern California (USC)
Record: 18–1–4
In coach Jane Alukonis' third year (2024 season), the University of Southern California's Trojans made history. They had an undefeated conference run, earned the No. 1 overall NCAA Tournament seed, and brought home their first Big Ten regular-season championship. Alukonis was also celebrated as the Big Ten Coach of the Year. And, she's got the record to back it up—with a career record of 41–9–10. We imagine huge things are in store for this team in 2025.
6. University of Arkansas
Record: 16–2–3
Colby Hale is the current leader of this Southeastern Conference (SEC) best. The Arkansas Razorbacks are in it for the long haul. The Razorbacks are known for their physical stamina and precise execution on the field. Their hard work is definitely paying off, too, with Hale earning SEC Coach of the Year multiple times.
7. Stanford University
Record: 16–5–2
Known for its precision, resilience, and expert recruiting, the Stanford Cardinal regularly ranks in the top ten for college women's soccer. Over the years, the Cardinal has brought in national championships, College Cup appearances, and Pac-12 titles. Head Coach Paul Ratcliffe is in his 24th season with the team and is the university's most winningest coach. Many collegiate players also work with a personal soccer trainer near me to refine their technique and tactical awareness.
Women's soccer head coach Paul Ratcliffe is the university's most winning coach. Ratcliffe is in his 24th season with the university—a long tenure that's allowed him the chance to grow the Stanford Cardinal women's team culture into what it is today. Talk about an accomplishment in the world of college soccer!
8. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Record: 17–4–3
The UCLA Bruins, led by head coach Margueritte Aozasa, continue to make the top ten collegiate women's soccer team rankings due to their consistency, elite recruiting, and strong team culture. Aozasa has only led the team for three seasons so far, but is already taking the team to new heights. She's the first first-year head coach to win an NCAA Championship, and the first D1 female coach of color to do so.
9. Texas Christian University (TCU)
Record: 17–4–2
The Texas Christian University (TCU) Horned Frogs are among the brightest in the Big 12. They bring a solid scoring record and tournament flair to the game. Not a newcomer by any means, coach Eric Bell is hitting his stride, going into his 14th season with the team. Alongside associate coach Ryan Higginbotham, Bell has seen 150 career combined wins. Though they exited the NCAA Tournament in the second round, the Horned Frogs are starting 2025 off with excitement as they beat Pepperdine 6-1 in an offensive clinic.
10. Wake Forest University
Record: 16–4–4
Rounding out our top 10 collegiate women's soccer teams are the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. This team could be considered the underdogs of the list, but don't underestimate them. They were NCAA Tournament runner-ups in 2024. Plus, they ranked No. 2 in the coaches' poll and Top Drawer Soccer. Head coach Tony da Luz has carried the team for an impressive 28 years. Their momentum and grit in the last season make them ones to watch in 2025.
And there you have it! Those are the top 10 best women's college soccer teams right now. Going into 2025, we'll see if they're able to hold their spots or if an underdog swoops in to take their places. Regardless, it's clear that there's some serious talent in the world of women's soccer at the collegiate level. We're likely to see more players getting scouted into professional leagues in 2025. And, it's no wonder! It's ridiculously competitive to become a D1 athlete. When you do the math, about 9.6% of high school women's soccer players go on to play in college. And, only 2.3% of those players go on to play at a D1 school, which is to say that it takes an incredible amount of talent to make it as a college athlete.
Hone Your Soccer Skills with Superprof
Now you're ready to cheer on your favorite teams in the 2025 season. No matter who comes out on top this year, it's sure to be a nail-biter. If you're feeling inspired by these top-ranking women's college soccer teams, maybe it's time to work on your own skills in the beautiful game.
With Superprof, you can work one-on-one with an expert tutor who can help you level up your skills on the field. Pick from in-person or online tutoring sessions with the coach of your choice. You can work on dribbling, passing, shooting, tactical awareness, and more. Who knows, maybe you'll be inspired to try out for your high school soccer team or apply for a college intramural team! So what are you waiting for? Start practicing today with a tutor right here on Superprof!
Are you looking to stay up to date with the men's teams as well? Read more about the top-ranking men's college soccer teams right here.
Summarize with AI:
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
