ST. LOUIS, Mo.  (August 19, 2024) – The Hermann Trophy, presented by the Missouri Athletic Club, selected University of North Alabama fifth-year graduate student Alice Bussey as one of 44 finalists to the watch list this week.
 
This list is the nation's highest individual honor recognizing the National Player of the Year determined by United Soccer Coaches that are Division I head coaches. Bussey is one of two players that compete for an Alabama based team, one of 10 mid-major players and one of two from the Atlantic Sun Conference. Bussey is the lone representative of England and helps represent seven international players. 
 
"Alice's hard work last season got her on the watch list for this year," said head coach Chris Walker. "It is a fantastic achievement to be recognized with some of the other great players in NCAA DI soccer. It is something she should be very proud of and it will definitely encourage her to keep working even harder."
 
The award honors the late Robert Hermann, a businessman, soccer executive and a 2012 U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame inductee from St. Louis, Mo., founded the National Professional Soccer League. This was the first pro soccer league in the United States which led to the North American Soccer league. 
 
The 2024 watch list compiled returning 2023 All-Americans and First Team All-region players. Semifinalists for the 2024 Hermann Trophy will be chosen on December 4 for the conclusion of Division I All-American voting where 15 players will be selected. The winner of the Mac Hermann Trophy will be announced January 3, 2025 in St. Louis, Mo. 
 
Last season, the Hythe, England native earned first team all-conference honors and was an Academic All-ASUN selection, while also earning national awards as a United Soccer Coaches Second Team All-American and First Team All-South Region selection.
 
This strong season brought the high honor of Bussey being named Lions' team captain throughout her senior campaign. Bussey started all 22 matches for UNA with 1,684 minutes logged, scoring seven goals and three assists. She registered 60 shots and 28 shots on goal, keeping the pressure on opposing goalkeepers all season.
 
The season continues on Thursday, August 22 at Alabama. The match will kickoff at 7 p.m. in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.