KANSAS CITY, Missouri – Midfielder for the Michigan State women’s soccer team Justina Gaynor was named to the MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List, United Soccer coaches announced Thursday.

The graduate student from Shelby Township, Michigan, is the third Spartan in the program to earn a spot on the list, joining two-time All-American goaltender Lauren Kozal and MSU Hall of Famer Laura (Heyboer) Heethius.

Gaynor is one of 44 players on the list and one of five Big Ten representatives. In addition to Gaynor, Ryan Campell and Lilly Reale of UCLA, Sarah Weber of Nebraska and Macy Enneking of Iowa were selected.

The Hermann Trophy is awarded annually by the Missouri Athletic Club and is the nation’s highest individual award, recognizing the national player of the year. The award is determined by a vote of Division I head coaches who are members of United Soccer Coaches.

The list of 2024 candidates was compiled by members of the Division I Women’s All-America Council from a list of returning All-Americans and First Team All-Region players from 2023. A total of 15 players will be named 2024 Hermann Trophy semifinalists on December 4 following the conclusion of NCAA Division I All-American voting. From this list, head coaches will cast their votes and three players will be named finalists. The 2024 award winner will be announced on January 3, 2025, at a ceremony at the historic Missouri Athletic Club in downtown St. Louis, Missouri.

Gaynor was named to the 2023 First Team All-Region and First Team All-Big Ten after scoring 24 points – the most on the team – with six goals and 12 assists. She was named Big Ten Midfielder of the Year and helped MSU to its first NCAA Sweet 16 appearance in program history.

13th-ranked MSU opens the season on Thursday, August 15, at 7 p.m. at No. 15 Notre Dame