Definition The Hermann Trophy is an annual award presented to the top male and female college soccer players in the United States.
Overview Established in 1967, the Hermann Trophy is considered the most prestigious individual honor in American collegiate soccer. It is awarded by the Missouri Athletic Club (MAC) and recognizes outstanding achievement and excellence in NCAA Division I soccer. The award is given separately to one male and one female recipient each year, based on a vote by NCAA Division I soccer coaches. The winners are typically announced in January following the conclusion of the NCAA College Cup.
Etymology/Origin The award is named after Dr. Werner J.A. Hermann, a prominent St. Louis physician and soccer supporter who was actively involved with the St. Louis Soccer League and the U.S. Soccer Football Association (now U.S. Soccer). After his death in 1967, the Missouri Athletic Club created the trophy in his honor to celebrate excellence in collegiate soccer.
Characteristics
- Recipients are selected through a structured balloting process conducted by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA), now known as United Soccer Coaches.
- The selection criteria include performance during the collegiate season, leadership, sportsmanship, and overall contribution to the team's success.
- The award ceremony traditionally takes place in St. Louis, Missouri, a city with deep historical ties to American soccer.
- Notable past winners include global soccer figures such as Mia Hamm, Abby Wambach, Christian Pulisic, and Mallory Swanson.
Related Topics
- United Soccer Coaches (formerly NSCAA)
- NCAA Division I Men's and Women's Soccer Championships
- U.S. Soccer Federation
- College soccer in the United States
- Missouri Athletic Club awards