For years, UConn women’s soccer had been on the cusp of a breakthrough. During the 2021 Covid spring campaign, the Huskies finished second in the East Division and were one of four teams to make the Big East Tournament, only to fall in the semifinals. In 2023, they reached the league title game but were downed by Georgetown.
Last season, they finally took the long-awaited step forward. UConn claimed the Big East Tournament crown and punched a ticket to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since
2016. The Huskies even earned a victory in the big dance, knocking off 6-seed Rutgers on its home turf.
It took head coach Margaret Rodriguez seven seasons to get UConn back to the NCAA Tournament. She plans on making it an annual occurrence — just as it used to be for the program.
“We have standards that were set last year. We have some returning players who know our standards and our younger players know nothing other than a Big East championship that happened a year prior to them,” Rodriguez said in a preseason interview.
Last season
Record: 14-5-4 overall | 4-3-3 Big East (W-L-D)
Finish: Fifth
Postseason: Big East Tournament champions, NCAA second round
For all it achieved in 2024, UConn had an up-and-down regular season. It took the Huskies three games to secure their first victory then they started 1-2-1 in conference play en route to a disappointing fifth-place finish. They didn’t let it linger into the postseason, though.
In the Big East Tournament, UConn beat Creighton on the road in the quarterfinals then knocked off regular season champions and top rivals Georgetown in the semifinals. In the title game, the Huskies overcame a 1-0 deficit at halftime to force overtime, where Glastonbury native Alayna Taylor scored the golden goal with 1:22 left.
UConn secured an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament and matched up with former Big East foe Rutgers in the first round. Despite playing on the road, the Huskies scored twice in the first half and held on defensively in the second half to secure a 2-1 win.
In the second round, UConn took on powerhouse Stanford in Arkansas. The Huskies had the Cardinal on the ropes and led 1-0 into the 85th minute before allowing two goals in 4:03 to suffer a heartbreaking defeat.
2025 preview
While UConn graduated 10 players from last year’s squad, expectations remain high entering the 2025 season.
“I believe we have the makings of another championship team this year. I don’t say that often but we have to stay healthy in order to make it happen,” Rodriguez told the UConn 360 Podcast.
Even with all those departures, the Huskies return plenty of key players. Chioma Okafor and Anaya Taylor were both named to the all-conference preseason team and, along with center back Anna Carson, will be the foundational pieces at every level.
Elsewhere, UConn brings back left back Kelly Monaco, midfielder Lydia Leblanc as well as forwards Alayna Taylor and Lina Dantes. Notable additions for the Huskies include Kaitlyn Richins out of the transfer portal and freshman Ines Nourani, who will start at center and right back, respectively.
The Huskies were picked third in the Big East Preseason Poll behind Georgetown and Xavier.
Names to know
Chioma Okafor (forward): UConn’s star forward returns for her senior season after bagging 13 goals this season — the first Husky to reach double-digits since both Rachel Hill and Stephanie Ribeiro in 2016. Okafor, a two-time All-American, is a ferocious attacker who blends unmatched athleticism with a well-developed skillset and high soccer IQ. She was named Big East Preseason Player of the Year and is on the MAC Hermann Trophy (the soccer equivalent to the Heisman) watchlist. The Huskies will go as far as Okafor can carry them.
“She’s a forward so I need her to do her job,” Rodriguez said. “She’ll be the first one to say that ‘My job as a striker is to put the ball in the back of the net.’ She’s not hidden so she’s gonna have a hard task because she will be marked every game. She’s probably the biggest scout for every team we’ll play but she can handle it.”
Anaya Johnson (midfield): A junior who’s spent time with Canada’s U20 squad, Johnson is the engine in the Huskies’ midfield. She played her best soccer in the postseason, recording a goal contribution in both NCAA Tournament contests, and has the potential to be one of the most impactful players in the Big East.
Kaitlyn Richins (defense): UConn made a major splash in the transfer portal with Richins, a Top Drawer Soccer Third Team All-American and Mountain West Defender of the Year at Utah State last season. Richins originally planned to end her soccer career following the 2024 campaign in order to be closer to her fiance, Sione Moa, a football player at BYU. But when Moa entered the transfer portal, Richins decided to keep her options open and the pair eventually fell in love with UConn. Richins will slot in as a starting center back alongside the returning Anna Carson.
“Right away, Kaitlyn Richins has made a huge impact on our back line,” Rodriguez said. “She’s an athletic presence out there… She’s gonna be a force to reckon with.”
Ava Yamas (goalkeeper): With 2023 Big East Goalkeeper of the Year and four-year starter Kaitlyn Mahoney gone, UConn will hand the position over to a freshman: Ava Yamas. A native of Franklin, Tennessee who’s listed at 5-8, she helped IMG Academy reach the 2024 national semifinals last year.
Riley Prozzo (midfield): A transfer from Boston College, Prozzo is the daughter of former UConn star Jennifer (Tietjen) Prozzo — making her Rodriguez’s niece. A sophomore from Southington, she’ll wear No. 18 for the Huskies.
Top games
Sunday, Aug. 17: Home opener vs. Stony Brook (7 p.m. ET)
Thursday, Aug. 28: Home vs. Brown (7 p.m. ET)
Sunday, Aug. 31: At Rutgers (1 p.m. ET)
Saturday, Sept. 20: Big East opener vs. St. John’s (7 p.m. ET)
Wednesday, Sept. 24: Big East title game rematch vs. Xavier (7 p.m. ET)
Saturday, Sept. 31: At Georgetown (5 p.m. ET)
Saturday, Oct. 18: Senior day vs. Villanova (7 p.m. ET)
Saturday, Oct. 25: Regular season finale at Seton Hall (6 p.m. ET)
How to watch
Every Big East game — home and away — will be streamed on ESPN+. The Huskies’ home non-conference slate will be available on UConn+ while out-of-conference games on the road will vary depending on the opponent.
