DURHAM, N.C. - Duke's women's soccer program has made a splash in the transfer portal, with TopDrawerSoccer ranking their latest class as the best in the nation for 2026. Key additions include Katie Shea Collins from South Carolina and Samantha Courtwright from Texas Tech, both bringing impressive credentials to the Blue Devils.
These two standout players have already made their mark in college soccer, combining for 32 goals and 23 assists, and earning All-America honors along the way. Their arrival has set high expectations for Duke, which tops the rankings ahead of other powerhouse programs like Florida State, North Carolina, TCU, and Florida.
Samantha Courtwright, hailing from Dallas, Texas, spent the last three years showcasing her skills at Texas Tech. In 2025, she was a key player for the Red Raiders, starting all 20 matches and contributing four goals and seven assists.
Her performances earned her First Team All-Big 12 honors and a spot on the United Soccer Coaches Second Team All-Midwest Region. Despite a setback in 2024 due to a knee injury, Courtwright has tallied nine goals and 15 assists in 43 career matches, proving her resilience and skill as a 5-8 midfielder.
Meanwhile, Katie Shea Collins has been lighting up the scoreboard at South Carolina. With 23 goals and eight assists in just 38 matches, Collins has been one of the nation's top scorers over the past two years.
Her 2025 season was particularly impressive, with 10 goals and five assists, earning her United Soccer Coaches Third Team All-America honors. Known for her clutch performances, 10 of her career goals have been game winners.
The 5-3 forward from Gallatin, Tennessee, was also recognized on the Hermann Trophy Midseason Watch List in 2025.
In the final TopDrawerSoccer top-100 player rankings for 2025, Courtwright and Collins were ranked No. 42 and No. 53, respectively, highlighting their impact on the field.
As Duke gears up for the 2026 season, head coach Kieran Hall will have a potent offensive lineup at his disposal. The team boasts five players who have collectively scored 79 career goals: Collins (23), Courtwright (9), Mia Minestrella (30), Avery Oder (6), and Mia Oliaro (11). With this level of talent, the Blue Devils are poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming season.