The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
McDonald earns spot on TopDrawer Soccer Freshman Best XI First Team
12.17.2025 | Soccer
Forward slotted as No. 6 freshman nationally
AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Longhorns standout Ava McDonald was named to the TopDrawer Soccer Freshman Best XI First Team, as announced by the organization on Wednesday.
McDonald was one of just two Southeastern Conference players recognized on the team, alongside Vanderbilt's Olivia Stafford. The Allen, Texas, native is the fourth Longhorn in the last five years to garner a spot on the prestigious list, joining Trinity Byars (2021), Lexi Missimo (2021) and Amalia Villarreal (2024),
The 5-foot-7 forward was also ranked as the sixth-best freshman in the country on the publication's top 100 rookies.
McDonald led all freshman nationally in points per game (1.29), while tying for the second-most goals (nine).
During the regular season, the 2025 SEC Freshman of the Year paced the league's first-years in goals, points (22), shots (67) and shots on goal (32). In SEC play, McDonald led all conference rookies in five offensive categories, highlighted by her six goals, four assists and 16 points.
An NCAA Div. I Southeast Third Team All-Region selection, McDonald was the only SEC freshman to mount at least a pair of braces, as she posted three multi-goal performances. She was the first Longhorn freshman to record three braces since Byars in 2021.
The complete list of the 2025 TopDrawer Soccer Women's DI Postseason Awards can be seen HERE.
