Cullowhee, N.C. -- Anticipation continues to build for the 2025 women's soccer season as Western Carolina's Isabella DeMarco was named a "Forward to Watch" by United Soccer Coaches earlier today. DeMarco is the first Southern Conference athlete to be named to the prestigious watch list since its inception in 2022 and is the only current SoCon representative on the list this season. 
 
The lists are compiled and released by the Division I All-America Committees to promote college soccer leading up to the official start date for the regular season later this month. The lists include United Soccer Coaches All-Americans and All-Region players from 2024 who are scheduled to return for the 2025 season. 
 
DeMarco's honor comes after a tremendous, first-team All-SoCon season in 2024, where she posted eight goals and nine assists, racking up 25 of WCU's 152 points. She ranked within the top 50 nationally in shots on goal per game (21st – 2.00), total assists (26th – 9), shot accuracy (41st- .575), and shots per game (50th – 3.48). She ranked inside the top 100 in total points (63rd – 25), points per game (87th – 1.19), and game-winning goals (94th – 3).  
 
The only South Carolina native on either the men's or women's watch list, DeMarco is primed for an explosive senior season in Cullowhee. Already one of the best to don the Purple and Gold on the pitch, the standout striker is nearing a handful of school records going into the 2025 campaign, as she is just 32 points, 16 goals, five assists, 42 shots, and 12 shots on goal away from the program record in each of those respective categories.    
 
Isabella DeMarco and the Catamounts will be back in action for the first official match of the 2025 season as they host arch-rivals Appalachian State on August 14,  for a 6:00 p.m. start.  
 
Keep track of everything related to Catamount women's soccer and WCU Athletics through its social media outlets on Facebook (fb.com/catamountsports), Instagram (@wcu_catamounts), and Twitter (@catamounts, @Catamountsoccer).