4 Tigers named to SEC Soccer Preseason Watch Listing – Auburn Tigers

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Auburn soccer’s Taylor Chism, Hayden Colson, Grace Ivey and Olivia Woodson were all named to the Southeastern Conference’s watch list for the 2025 season, the league office announced Tuesday.

Each woman earns the honor for the first time in her respective career.

After transferring to The Plains from NC State, Chism has quickly taken on a leadership role, relying on her near 50 college appearances to guide an otherwise young backline. While defense is her primary focus, Chism has also been heralded for her ability to get on the scoresheet. She put away five goals as a set-piece target at NCSU and also picked up an assist in each of the Tigers’ exhibition matches against Georgia Southern and Memphis this season.

Another defensive stalwart, Colson is the leading minutes returner from the 2024 Auburn roster. Playing in and starting every game, the holding midfielder led her squad to a single-season record 12 shutouts, including eight in a row to begin the year. She capped the season with the final goal in Auburn’s 4-1 win over FIU in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament.

An interleague transfer, Ivey is set to don the Orange & Blue for the first time in her career after spending the previous two seasons at Texas A&M. As an Aggie, she made nearly 30 appearances and 11 starts, scoring four goals and assisting on three others. One of Ivey’s four goals last season came in the 67th minute of a 4-1 upset against the Tigers.

Finally, Auburn returns its most lethal weapon from a year ago in the form of Woodson. The All-SEC forward became the first Auburn player to score in double figures since 2016, bagging 11 total goals. She also added a trio of assists for a 25-point sophomore season. Over the summer, Woodson participated in a pair of U-20 U.S. Women’s National Team camps. She looks to pair what she learned from said camps with the teachings of new head coach James Armstrong to lead a dynamic attacking unit once more.

The Armstrong Era of Auburn soccer officially kicks off against Louisville Thursday, Aug. 14 at 6:30 p.m. CT. The Tigers also host Samford on Sunday, Aug. 17 as a part of Opening Weekend on The Plains.