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Photo by: Claudia Staut
Birdsell, Martin, Heimerl Named to 2026 Big Ten Women’s Soccer Players to Watch List
8/3/2026 1:00:00 PM | Soccer
MINNEAPOLIS - Three Gopher soccer student-athletes were named to the 2026 Big Ten Preseason Players to Watch List, the conference announced Monday. Caroline Birdsell, Taylor Heimerl and Sarah Martin were recognized.
In 2025, Birdsell emerged as a top offensive threat for the Gophers, finishing second on the team with 10 total points. She led Minnesota in overall shots (48) and placed second in shots on goal (21), netting key goals throughout the year against BYU, Nebraska, No. 17 Washington and an 83rd-minute game-winner against USC. Her stellar performance extended beyond the field as well, earning her honors as an Academic All-Big Ten selection and a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar.
Heimerl established herself as a core piece of Minnesota's lineup, starting 16 of the Gophers' 17 matches and logging 1,478 total minutes on the pitch. In addition to providing stellar defensive support, she recorded six shots (four on frame) and registered an assist on the game-winning goal against Brown. Her strong work in the classroom also earned her Academic All-Big Ten honors.
Goalkeeper Sarah Martin anchored the Maroon and Gold defense throughout her 2025 campaign, starting all 17 matches and playing every minute in net. The Champlin, Minnesota, native posted five clean sheets on the season, highlighted by a career-high 12-save performance to shut out No. 9 UCLA. Martin's standout weekend against Southern California and UCLA, in which she recorded 18 saves, earned her Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Week honors Oct. 13. She capped off the regular season ranked second in the Big Ten and 17th nationally with 92 total saves, while also earning CSC Academic All-District honors and the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award.
In addition, the conference announced the 2025 preseason poll, where Minnesota found itself sitting 14th among the 18 teams.
The Gophers will officially open the season Aug. 13 at 7 p.m. CT against North Dakota. Fans can purchase tickets here.
2026 Big Ten Women's Soccer Preseason Poll
In 2025, Birdsell emerged as a top offensive threat for the Gophers, finishing second on the team with 10 total points. She led Minnesota in overall shots (48) and placed second in shots on goal (21), netting key goals throughout the year against BYU, Nebraska, No. 17 Washington and an 83rd-minute game-winner against USC. Her stellar performance extended beyond the field as well, earning her honors as an Academic All-Big Ten selection and a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar.
Heimerl established herself as a core piece of Minnesota's lineup, starting 16 of the Gophers' 17 matches and logging 1,478 total minutes on the pitch. In addition to providing stellar defensive support, she recorded six shots (four on frame) and registered an assist on the game-winning goal against Brown. Her strong work in the classroom also earned her Academic All-Big Ten honors.
Goalkeeper Sarah Martin anchored the Maroon and Gold defense throughout her 2025 campaign, starting all 17 matches and playing every minute in net. The Champlin, Minnesota, native posted five clean sheets on the season, highlighted by a career-high 12-save performance to shut out No. 9 UCLA. Martin's standout weekend against Southern California and UCLA, in which she recorded 18 saves, earned her Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Week honors Oct. 13. She capped off the regular season ranked second in the Big Ten and 17th nationally with 92 total saves, while also earning CSC Academic All-District honors and the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award.
In addition, the conference announced the 2025 preseason poll, where Minnesota found itself sitting 14th among the 18 teams.
The Gophers will officially open the season Aug. 13 at 7 p.m. CT against North Dakota. Fans can purchase tickets here.
2026 Big Ten Women's Soccer Preseason Poll
- Michigan State
- UCLA
- Washington
- Wisconsin
- Ohio State
- Penn State
- USC
- Northwestern
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Michigan
- Nebraska
- Purdue
- Minnesota
- Rutgers
- Indiana
- Maryland
- Oregon
Thursday, October 30
Tuesday, October 21
Sunday, October 19
Friday, October 17