VanFossen named to preseason Hermann Trophy Watch List

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Missouri Athletic Club (MAC) announced Thursday afternoon that junior Razorback defender Haley VanFossen was named to the preseason Hermann Trophy Watch List heading into the 2019 season.

The MAC Hermann Trophy is given annually to the United Soccer Coaches National Players of the Year in Division I on both the men’s and women’s side based on the votes of Division I coaches.

Last season, VanFossen became the first Razorback named to the All-SEC First Team since Claire Kelley was tabbed in 2016 and just the seventh overall in program history. The junior played a critical part in Arkansas’ eight shutouts in 2018 and was named SEC Defensive Player of the Week (Sept. 24) after playing in all 180 minutes in wins over No. 2 Texas A&M and Alabama.

VanFossen led the Razorback defense in limiting the second-ranked Aggies to just two shots on goal, their lowest total on the season. It was Arkansas’ first win over Texas A&M since 1993.

The Broken Arrow, Oklahoma native helped guide the Razorbacks to their third-straight appearance in the SEC Championship game last year, being named to the SEC All-Tournament Team for the second-straight year. Arkansas then blasted Little Rock 5-1 in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament before bowing out in the second round to Virginia Tech. The 14 wins marked only the third time the program has won 14 or more matches in a season.

VanFossen and the Razorbacks will be in action next Friday, Aug. 9, for a closed-door exhibition at Kansas State. The exhibition against the Wildcats will not be streamed, but fans can follow @RazorbackSoccer for updates on the match and throughout the season.