The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Soccer’s McDonald, Villarreal garner All-Region distinction
12.02.2025 | Soccer
Duo lands on United Soccer Coaches' third team
AUSTIN, Texas — University of Texas student-athletes Ava McDonald and Amalia Villarreal garnered NCAA Div. 1 Southeast Third Team All-Region accolades from the United Soccer Coaches, the organization announced Tuesday morning.
In her debut campaign, McDonald burst onto the college soccer scene. The 5-foot-7 forward was tabbed the 2025 SEC Freshman of the Year, becoming the ninth Longhorn in program history — including the sixth in the past decade — to be named Newcomer/Freshman of the Year. McDonald also earned spots on both the 11-player All-SEC Second Team and All-Freshman Team.
During the regular season, the Allen, Texas, native led the league's freshmen in goals (nine), points (22), shots (67) and shots on goal (32). In SEC action, she paced all conference newcomers in five different offensive categories, highlighted by her six goals, four assists and 16 points.
McDonald was the lone SEC freshman to record at least a pair of braces, as she notched three multi-goal efforts. She was the first Longhorn freshman to log three braces since Trinity Byars in 2021.
For the second straight year, Villarreal was selected as an All-Region performer, after collecting third team recognition last season.
The Lansing, Mich., native scored eight goals and dished out two assists, totaling 18 points in 17 starts. Villarreal mounted 1,514 minutes, coming off the pitching for just 16 minutes.
In league play, the 5-foot-2 standout registered five tallies, which were the second-most at her position, trailing only SEC Midfielder of the Year Ally Perry's six goals.
Overall, Villarreal ranked third in the conference in shots (62) and shots on goal (29), while tying for seventh in goals.
The complete list of NCAA Div. 1 All-Region Teams can be seen HERE.
