Four players to watch in the NCAA College Cup

With the NCAA College Cup Semifinals only two days away, we’ve got you covered on four players to watch — one from each team — as the competition unfolds on May 13th.

Brianna Pinto, University of North Carolina

The third overall pick in the 2021 NWSL draft, Brianna Pinto has been nothing short of exceptional in her time with the Tar Heels. In 65 games played from 2018-2020 (64 of which she was a member of the starting line-up), Pinto combined for 3,705 minutes of playing time and notched 23 goals, 16 assists, and 59 shots on goal. 

Head coach Anson Dorrance has been extremely complimentary of Pinto’s game, saying “She has a fabulous skill set.  She’s great in possession.  She’s a complete player with the ability to attack.” That’s high praise from someone who has coached greats like Mia Hamm, Michelle Akers, and Kristine Lilly.

Pinto will join NJ/NY Gotham FC at the conclusion of her collegiate career, and what better way to go out with a bang than to secure a spot in the championship match?

Jaelin Howell, Florida State

Only 21 years old, Howell has already made two appearances for the US women’s national team, earning her first cap in the 89th minute of a friendly against the Netherlands back in November. 

In three seasons with the Seminoles, the midfielder has appeared in 62 games, scored 11 goals and made 10 assists, earning 5,342 minutes of playing time and tallying 32 points.

In a preseason Top Drawer Soccer ranking of the women’s top 100 players to watch, Howell was slotted at number one. She is also on the watchlist for the MAC Hermann Trophy, the most prestigious award in college soccer. 

Last year, Howell led the Seminoles to an ACC title and was named the ACC Midfielder of the Year. 

Kelsey Turnbow, Santa Clara

Also selected in the 2021 NWSL Draft, Turnbow has appeared in 77 matches for Santa Clara, in which she has logged a stellar 43 goals and 26 assists. 

In the 2020-2021 season alone, Turnbow scored 8 goals in only 10 games played (!) to earn 20 points. Three of those goals? Game-winners, no less. 

The forward has also received call-ups to the U14, U15, U17, U18, U19, and U20 US Women’s National Teams during her playing career, and will join the Chicago Red Stars at the professional level at the conclusion of the season. 

Rebecca Jarrett, University of Virginia

A staple piece in UVA’s attacking third, Rebecca Jarrett was named an All-ACC second team selection and was the only player on the roster to start all 12 games during the Fall 2020 season. 

Throughout three seasons with the Cavaliers, Jarrett has played in 63 matches, scored 15 goals, added 13 assists and 103 total shots. 

Virginia head coach Steve Swanson has called Jarrett “one of their constants,” speaking highly of her continual improvement with every game.

Virginia, who punched their ticket to the semifinals with a 1-0 upset over Texas Christian University, are certainly the underdog of this year’s semifinals, as they are the only unranked team that remains in the running. Jarrett will be key if they want to continue their Cinderella run.