Portland Pilots defender Violet Rademacher has earned a spot on the 2026 United Soccer Coaches Defenders to Watch List, recognizing her impressive performance in 2025. This accolade highlights her contributions, notably scoring a team-high seven goals, and her role in propelling the Pilot defense to a commendable second in the conference. Rademacher鈥檚 honors include All-WCC First Team and All-West Region Second Team selections, alongside being the first Pilot Scholar All-American since 2009. The Pilots celebrated a strong 2025 season, finishing tied for second in the WCC with a 7-1-3 record. Upcoming matches include an exhibition against the Oregon Ducks on August 5 and a regular-season opener against the Washington Huskies on August 12.

By the Numbers
  • Rademacher scored 7 goals, including 2 game-winners in 2025.
  • Portland's defense ranked 2nd in the conference with a goals-against average of .632 and a shutout percentage of .526.
State of Play
  • Rademacher's inclusion highlights her as a key player ahead of the 2026 season.
  • The Pilots finished their last season with a 10-3-6 overall record and their highest winning percentage since 2013.
What's Next

The Pilots aim to leverage Rademacher's recognition and strong play to build momentum for the upcoming season, focusing on improving their conference standings further. Their exhibition against Oregon and the subsequent match against Washington are pivotal for setting the tone this season.

Bottom Line

Violet Rademacher's recognition as a defender to watch not only underscores her personal achievements but also reflects the strength of the Pilots' program as they gear up for a competitive 2026 season. With a promising lineup and a strong defensive track record, fans can expect Portland to be a formidable contender.