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The University of Texas at Austin Athletics Soccer quintet named to SEC preseason watch list 08.10.2026 | Soccer Prestigious list features 75 standouts across league AUSTIN, Texas — University of Texas standouts Ashlyn Anderson, Mya Brandon, Ava McDonald, Hannah Tate and Amalia Villarreal earned spots on the preseason All-Southeastern Conference soccer team, the league office announced Monday morning. The prestigious watch list features 75 student-athletes from across the conference, including 18 returning players who earned All-SEC recognition a year ago. A 5-foot-8 forward, Anderson played one season at Florida State before arriving on The Forty Acres. In 2025, the Carmel, Ind., native appeared in 17 contests during the Seminoles' national championship campaign. Anderson posted one goal and seven shots over 349 minutes, logging at least 20 minutes on 10 occasions. Alongside Anderson, Brandon helped Florida State claim its fifth national title. The 5-foot-2 defender played in 15 matches, adding a goal and two assists. The Canton, Mich., native totaled 343 minutes, registering at least 20 minutes in 10 different contests. The 2025 SEC Freshman of the Year, McDonald placed all of the league's rookies in goals (9), points (22), shots (67) and shots on goal (32). Overall, the 5-foot-6 forward ranked fourth in goals per game (0.53) and fifth in points per game (1.29). She also garnered United Soccer Coaches Southeast All-Region Third Team distinction and Top Drawer Soccer Freshman Best XI First Team honors. A native of Omaha, Neb., Tate spent the past four years at Denver. The 2025 Summit League Midfielder of the Year has appeared in 43 career matches, drawing 37 starts. Tate has recorded five goals and two assists across 3,034 minutes. Last season, Tate also collected United Soccer Coaches All-West Region First Team plaudits. A two-time All-SEC Second Team and United Soccer Coaches Southeast All-Region Third Team pick, Villarreal has notched 20 goals, 10 assists and 50 points in 43 contests on The Forty Acres. In 2025, the 5-foot-2 midfielder/forward ranked seventh in goals per game (0.47) among all SEC players. On the team, Villarreal finished second with eight goals, 18 points, 62 shots and 29 shots on target, while adding two assists. Texas kicks off its inaugural campaign under head coach Margueritte Bates against HCU on Wednesday. The opener is slated for 7 p.m. at Mike A. Myers Stadium.