Lansing Sun

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Michigan State women's soccer midfielder Justina Gaynor was named to the MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List, United Soccer Coaches announced on Thursday.

The graduate student from Shelby Township, Michigan, becomes the third Spartan in program history to land a spot on the list, joining two-time All-American goalkeeper Lauren Kozal and MSU Hall of Famer Laura (Heyboer) Heethius.

Gaynor is one of 44 players on the list and one of five Big Ten representatives. UCLA's Ryan Campell and Lilly Reale, Nebraska's Sarah Weber, and Iowa's Macy Enneking were chosen alongside Gaynor.

The Hermann Trophy is presented annually by the Missouri Athletic Club and is the nation's highest individual honor recognizing the National Player of the Year as determined by voting of Division I head coaches who are members of United Soccer Coaches. The 2024 watch list was compiled by members of the Division I Women's All-America Council from a list of returning 2023 All-Americans and First Team All-Region players. A total of 15 players will be named 2024 Hermann Trophy semifinalists on December 4 at the conclusion of NCAA Division I All-American voting. From that list, head coaches will cast votes, and three players will be named finalists. The 2024 recipient will be announced January 3, 2025, in a ceremony at the historic Missouri Athletic Club in downtown St. Louis, Missouri.

Gaynor earned First Team All-Region and First Team All-Big Ten honors in 2023 after scoring a team-high 24 points from six goals and 12 assists. She was named Big Ten Midfielder of the Year and helped MSU to its first NCAA Sweet 16 appearance in program history.

13th-ranked MSU opens the season at No. 15 Notre Dame on Thursday, Aug. 15 at 7 p.m.

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