Photo by: Seth Seebaugh / Wake Forest Athletics
Cooper Flax Named to MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List
8/21/2025 11:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
This marks the fifth preseason honor for the senior midfielder.
ST. LOUIS, MO. – Wake Forest men's soccer senior midfielder Cooper Flax has been named to the 2025 Missouri Athletic Club (MAC) Hermann Trophy Watch List, the organization announced Thursday morning.
"It's an honor to be one of the names on this list but this recognition truly comes from the work of my teammates and the coaching staff," Flax said. "My main focus is just to do my small part in helping out a huge program such as Wake Forest to continue our great culture and winning ways."
The Hermann Trophy is presented annually by the Missouri Athletic Club and is the nation's highest individual honor recognizing the National Player of the Year, determined by the voting of Division I head coaches who are members of United Soccer Coaches.
It is named in honor of the late Robert Hermann, the legendary St. Louis, Mo., businessman and soccer executive who founded the National Professional Soccer League, the first pro soccer league in the United States which became the North American Soccer League. He was inducted in the U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame in 2012.
This marks the fifth preseason recognition for Flax, who enters his senior campaign following a standout 2024 season in which he led Wake Forest in points (19) and goals (nine). The All-American was the only field player to start all 24 matches for the Demon Deacons and scored six of his nine goals against ACC opponents. He recorded four goals during the ACC Tournament, including a brace in a 5-1 win over Virginia, helping guide Wake Forest to its third ACC Championship under head coach Bobby Muuss.
Cooper Flax Preseason Honors
The 2025 Hermann Trophy semifinalists will be announced on December 9, with three finalists named later in the month. The winner will be revealed on January 9, 2026, at the Missouri Athletic Club in St. Louis, Mo.
"It's an honor to be one of the names on this list but this recognition truly comes from the work of my teammates and the coaching staff," Flax said. "My main focus is just to do my small part in helping out a huge program such as Wake Forest to continue our great culture and winning ways."
The Hermann Trophy is presented annually by the Missouri Athletic Club and is the nation's highest individual honor recognizing the National Player of the Year, determined by the voting of Division I head coaches who are members of United Soccer Coaches.
It is named in honor of the late Robert Hermann, the legendary St. Louis, Mo., businessman and soccer executive who founded the National Professional Soccer League, the first pro soccer league in the United States which became the North American Soccer League. He was inducted in the U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame in 2012.
This marks the fifth preseason recognition for Flax, who enters his senior campaign following a standout 2024 season in which he led Wake Forest in points (19) and goals (nine). The All-American was the only field player to start all 24 matches for the Demon Deacons and scored six of his nine goals against ACC opponents. He recorded four goals during the ACC Tournament, including a brace in a 5-1 win over Virginia, helping guide Wake Forest to its third ACC Championship under head coach Bobby Muuss.
Cooper Flax Preseason Honors
- MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List
- TopDrawerSoccer Best XI - First Team
- TopDrawerSoccer Top 100 Players - No. 11
- ACC Preseason Player to Watch
- United Soccer Coaches Midfielder to Watch
The 2025 Hermann Trophy semifinalists will be announced on December 9, with three finalists named later in the month. The winner will be revealed on January 9, 2026, at the Missouri Athletic Club in St. Louis, Mo.
Players Mentioned
Midfielder
/ Men's SoccerWake Forest Football vs Oregon State | Cinematic Recap
Wednesday, October 15
Wake Forest Football Postgame Press Conference (Oct. 11, 2025)
Sunday, October 12
Wake Forest Football Highlights vs. Oregon State (Oct. 11, 2025)
Sunday, October 12
Wake Forest Football | Oregon State Trailer
Saturday, October 11