KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Graduate student Paco Fernandez (Sevilla, Spain) was named to the 2026 United Soccer Coaches Missouri Athletic Club Hermann Trophy Positional Players to Watch- Midfielders list announced Friday, August 7. 

Fernandez returns to Smithfield after a successful 2025 campaign in which he was named America East Midfielder of the Year and both First Team All-Northeast and America East. He appeared in 22 games, starting 20 in his first season for the Bulldogs. He totaled 16 points on the year, scoring six goals and providing four assists. Fernandez finished the season ranked No. 66 on Top Drawer Soccer's Postseason Top-100.

"Entering the 2026 season, these previous honorees represent some of the best at their positions," said Chris Przemieniecki, Senior College All-America Administrator. "As pre-season training opens, we are pleased to recognize these outstanding student-athletes from our member schools. I would like to thank Ryan Hopkins, DI Men's All-America Chair and his committees for their efforts in compiling these lists."

The MAC Hermann Trophy is presented annually to the Division I National Players of the Year as voted by Division I College Coaches at the end of the regular season. The 2026 recipients will be announced on January 8, 2027, in St. Louis, Mo.