Mia Owens, a senior defender for Utah Valley University, has been recognized on the United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division I Women's Players to Watch 鈥� Defenders list for the 2026 season. This accolade comes after a stellar 2025 season where she was named the WAC Defensive Player of the Year and earned multiple honors, including First Team All-WAC and Academic All-America recognition. Owens played all 22 matches last season, contributing to a strong defensive record and helping lead the team to its fifth NCAA Tournament appearance. Utah Valley head coach Chris Lemay praised her athleticism and ability to penetrate offensively from the back line, highlighting her significance to the Wolverines. The upcoming season will introduce Utah Valley to The Big West Conference, beginning on August 13 against Michigan.

By the Numbers
  • Logged 1,794 minutes on the field during the 2025 season.
  • Contributed to 6 shutouts while allowing just 29 goals over 22 matches.
State of Play
  • The announcement of Players to Watch is part of pre-season hype ahead of competitive collegiate soccer.
  • Utah Valley's transition into The Big West Conference marks a new chapter in the program's history.
What's Next

The Wolverines are set to kick off their season against Michigan on August 13, aiming to build on their prior successes and leverage Owens' leadership on the field as they contend in the new conference.

Bottom Line

Mia Owens鈥� inclusion on the Players to Watch list underscores her critical role in the Utah Valley defense, setting high expectations for both her performance and the Wolverines' success in the upcoming season.