01of 32ABC/Pamela LittkyWithClayton Echard’sBachelorseason gearing up to premiere in a few weeks, there isn’t a better time than now to meet the women hoping to win his heart!The 28-year-old lead is a sales representative and former football player from Missouri. This year, he gained recognition as a contestant onMichelle Young’sBacheloretteseason. But he was eliminated in week 6.On Nov. 30, ABC announced Echard as the Bachelor for season 26. Recently, the reality star confirmed he “did find love” on the show.“I was a little skeptical going into the whole journey, but I’m so pleasantly surprised that things worked out much different than I thought,” he said onGood Morning America. “Again, I’m just so excited to watch it back and have everyone else watch it as well.“Scroll through to meet the 30 women who will be competing for Echard’s love onThe Bachelor, which premieres Jan. 3 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

01of 32

ABC/Pamela Littky

Clayton Echard

WithClayton Echard’sBachelorseason gearing up to premiere in a few weeks, there isn’t a better time than now to meet the women hoping to win his heart!

The 28-year-old lead is a sales representative and former football player from Missouri. This year, he gained recognition as a contestant onMichelle Young’sBacheloretteseason. But he was eliminated in week 6.

On Nov. 30, ABC announced Echard as the Bachelor for season 26. Recently, the reality star confirmed he “did find love” on the show.

“I was a little skeptical going into the whole journey, but I’m so pleasantly surprised that things worked out much different than I thought,” he said onGood Morning America. “Again, I’m just so excited to watch it back and have everyone else watch it as well.”

Scroll through to meet the 30 women who will be competing for Echard’s love onThe Bachelor, which premieres Jan. 3 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

02of 32

Cassidy, 26

ABC/Ricky Middlesworth

The Bachelor

Executive Recruiter from Los Angeles, California

03of 32Claire, 28ABC/Ricky MiddlesworthSpray Tanner from Virginia Beach, Virginia"Claire is a charming, outgoing and unapologetic woman with a big personality. She grew up quickly as a single mother but credits her son as her greatest achievement. Claire is ready to take a chance on finding love again without the distractions of life and work. She is looking for her soul mate – someone who is supportive and doesn’t hold her back. At home, you can find Claire at girls' night singing along to country music, trying out a new restaurant or enjoying a bonfire. She’s also hoping for more babies in the future!”

03of 32

Claire, 28

The Bachelor

Spray Tanner from Virginia Beach, Virginia

“Claire is a charming, outgoing and unapologetic woman with a big personality. She grew up quickly as a single mother but credits her son as her greatest achievement. Claire is ready to take a chance on finding love again without the distractions of life and work. She is looking for her soul mate – someone who is supportive and doesn’t hold her back. At home, you can find Claire at girls' night singing along to country music, trying out a new restaurant or enjoying a bonfire. She’s also hoping for more babies in the future!”

04of 32

Daria, 24

The Bachelor

Law Student from New Haven, Connecticut

05of 32

Eliza, 25

The Bachelor

Marketing Manager from Berlin, Germany

06of 32

Elizabeth, 32

The Bachelor

Real Estate Advisor from Highlands Ranch, Colorado

07of 32

Ency, 28

The Bachelor

Sales Manager from Burbank, California

08of 32

The Bachelor

ICU Nurse from Denver, Colorado

09of 32Genevieve, 26ABC/Ricky MiddlesworthBartender from Los Angeles, California"Genevieve is looking for a man with whom she can get lost in their own little world. She is ambitious, confident and persistent, and says that when she wants something, there isn’t much that can stop her from going for it. Her dream man is someone that will let her maintain her independence and always keep her laughing. She wants someone who won’t be afraid to admit that they are wrong or change their personality when they are “bro-ing out” with the guys. They also must have a good relationship with their mother and be able to have deep, meaningful conversations. What Genevieve wants is to find a passionate man who can flirt with her well past the first date and make their love go the distance.”

09of 32

Genevieve, 26

The Bachelor

Bartender from Los Angeles, California

“Genevieve is looking for a man with whom she can get lost in their own little world. She is ambitious, confident and persistent, and says that when she wants something, there isn’t much that can stop her from going for it. Her dream man is someone that will let her maintain her independence and always keep her laughing. She wants someone who won’t be afraid to admit that they are wrong or change their personality when they are “bro-ing out” with the guys. They also must have a good relationship with their mother and be able to have deep, meaningful conversations. What Genevieve wants is to find a passionate man who can flirt with her well past the first date and make their love go the distance.”

10of 32

Hailey, 26

The Bachelor

Pediatric Nurse from Orlando, Florida

11of 32Hunter, 28ABC/Ricky MiddlesworthHuman Resources Specialist from Charlotte, North Carolina"Hunter is a Disney Princess looking for her Prince Charming. But seriously, Hunter used to work at Walt Disney World as a princess which 1) is way more competitive than you think and 2) absolutely makes sense when you get to know her. She is genuine, empathetic and compassionate. She describes herself as a romantic who longs for a relationship like you see in rom-coms. She is looking for a man who is loving, athletic and outdoorsy. He should also be adventurous with food because when it comes to eating, Hunter is a huge foodie. At her core, Hunter is truly ready to put it all on the line in the hopes of finding her happily ever after."

11of 32

Hunter, 28

The Bachelor

Human Resources Specialist from Charlotte, North Carolina

“Hunter is a Disney Princess looking for her Prince Charming. But seriously, Hunter used to work at Walt Disney World as a princess which 1) is way more competitive than you think and 2) absolutely makes sense when you get to know her. She is genuine, empathetic and compassionate. She describes herself as a romantic who longs for a relationship like you see in rom-coms. She is looking for a man who is loving, athletic and outdoorsy. He should also be adventurous with food because when it comes to eating, Hunter is a huge foodie. At her core, Hunter is truly ready to put it all on the line in the hopes of finding her happily ever after.”

12of 32

Ivana, 31

The Bachelor

Bar Mitzvah Dancer from Queens, New York

13of 32Jane, 33ABC/Ricky MiddlesworthSocial Media Director from Los Angeles, California"Jane is the life of the party and not afraid to be bold. She loves to get dolled up for nights out with the girls but not as much as she loves her job working in social media. She likes to play hard but says she works even harder and wants to find a man who is just as passionate about building a successful career for themselves as she is. Jane is a sucker for romance and is done dating ‘F boys.’ Now that she’s making her romantic life a priority, she is ready for a family and hopes that Clayton will be the man with whom she steps into the next chapter of life."

13of 32

Jane, 33

The Bachelor

Social Media Director from Los Angeles, California

“Jane is the life of the party and not afraid to be bold. She loves to get dolled up for nights out with the girls but not as much as she loves her job working in social media. She likes to play hard but says she works even harder and wants to find a man who is just as passionate about building a successful career for themselves as she is. Jane is a sucker for romance and is done dating ‘F boys.’ Now that she’s making her romantic life a priority, she is ready for a family and hopes that Clayton will be the man with whom she steps into the next chapter of life.”

14of 32Jill, 26ABC/Ricky MiddlesworthArchitectural Historian from Scituate, Rhode Island"Jill is full of life and personality. She loves being outside, walking around the local cemeteries and going out for drinks with the girls, but she is tired of being the only single one in her group of friends. Jill is looking for a man with a kind heart who is emotionally mature. Her dream man is someone she can laugh with, have deep conversations with, and someone who she enjoys spending time with more than she enjoys being alone. Physically, she says she is looking for a big, tall, hunk of a man that she can ‘climb like a tree.'"

14of 32

Jill, 26

The Bachelor

Architectural Historian from Scituate, Rhode Island

“Jill is full of life and personality. She loves being outside, walking around the local cemeteries and going out for drinks with the girls, but she is tired of being the only single one in her group of friends. Jill is looking for a man with a kind heart who is emotionally mature. Her dream man is someone she can laugh with, have deep conversations with, and someone who she enjoys spending time with more than she enjoys being alone. Physically, she says she is looking for a big, tall, hunk of a man that she can ‘climb like a tree.'”

15of 32Kate, 32ABC/Ricky MiddlesworthReal Estate Agent from Lake Hollywood, California"Kate has an amazing life – a great job with one of Los Angeles’ top real estate firms, a beautiful home in the Hollywood Hills, and a glamorous social life that is nonstop fun. Kate feels like she is close to having it all, but the one thing that’s missing is a special man in her life. She is looking for a nice, motivated, mature man with a bit of a flashy side. He should love a good thrill because Kate’s idea of a romantic date is skydiving. She is over dating Hollywood party boys and ready to finally open her heart to someone ready for something real and hopes to walk away from this experience with a ring on her finger."

15of 32

Kate, 32

The Bachelor

Real Estate Agent from Lake Hollywood, California

“Kate has an amazing life – a great job with one of Los Angeles’ top real estate firms, a beautiful home in the Hollywood Hills, and a glamorous social life that is nonstop fun. Kate feels like she is close to having it all, but the one thing that’s missing is a special man in her life. She is looking for a nice, motivated, mature man with a bit of a flashy side. He should love a good thrill because Kate’s idea of a romantic date is skydiving. She is over dating Hollywood party boys and ready to finally open her heart to someone ready for something real and hopes to walk away from this experience with a ring on her finger.”

16of 32

Kira, 32

The Bachelor

Physician from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

17of 32

Lindsay D., 27

The Bachelor

Neonatal Nurse from Jacksonville, Florida

18of 32Lyndsey W., 28ABC/Ricky MiddlesworthIndustrial Sales Representative from Houston, Texas"When it comes to living life, Lyndsey likes to just go for it! A small town girl making moves in the big city, Lyndsey isn’t afraid to take great risk if it means great rewards. She is looking for a man who is humble, reliable and ready to be her best friend. Her faith is incredibly important to her and nothing would make her happier than to share that with the man she loves. Lyndsey is ready to stop wasting her time on men who don’t deserve her and find someone who will make her the priority. Lyndsey believes true love is within reach and we hope she’s right!"

18of 32

Lyndsey W., 28

The Bachelor

Industrial Sales Representative from Houston, Texas

“When it comes to living life, Lyndsey likes to just go for it! A small town girl making moves in the big city, Lyndsey isn’t afraid to take great risk if it means great rewards. She is looking for a man who is humble, reliable and ready to be her best friend. Her faith is incredibly important to her and nothing would make her happier than to share that with the man she loves. Lyndsey is ready to stop wasting her time on men who don’t deserve her and find someone who will make her the priority. Lyndsey believes true love is within reach and we hope she’s right!”

19of 32Mara, 32ABC/Ricky MiddlesworthEntrepreneur from Collingswood, New Jersey"Mara is coming in hot and serving us swag! Born in Puerto Rico, she and her family migrated to the U.S. when she was young and has been spicing up the lives of everyone around her ever since. She considers herself the life of the party and is looking for a man to settle down with and keep life fun. When it comes to relationships, she is extremely nurturing but can be quite tough – she loves hard, fights hard and is extremely passionate. Mara is so ready to be in love and not afraid to put in the work to get there. Hope you’re ready Clayton!"

19of 32

Mara, 32

The Bachelor

Entrepreneur from Collingswood, New Jersey

“Mara is coming in hot and serving us swag! Born in Puerto Rico, she and her family migrated to the U.S. when she was young and has been spicing up the lives of everyone around her ever since. She considers herself the life of the party and is looking for a man to settle down with and keep life fun. When it comes to relationships, she is extremely nurturing but can be quite tough – she loves hard, fights hard and is extremely passionate. Mara is so ready to be in love and not afraid to put in the work to get there. Hope you’re ready Clayton!”

20of 32Marlena, 30ABC/Ricky MiddlesworthFormer Olympian from Gainesville, Florida"Marlena is definitely the full package and to say she’s accomplished would be an understatement. Not only is she vice president of human resources, but she runs her own real estate company and owns several properties. She also competed for Haiti at the 2012 Summer Olympics in track and field! Yes, she is an Olympian, people! Marlena’s energy is infectious and her smile lights up a room. She knows who she is in this world and has worked hard for all that she has in life. When Marlena loves, she loves hard and is looking for the right partner with whom to settle down."

20of 32

Marlena, 30

The Bachelor

Former Olympian from Gainesville, Florida

“Marlena is definitely the full package and to say she’s accomplished would be an understatement. Not only is she vice president of human resources, but she runs her own real estate company and owns several properties. She also competed for Haiti at the 2012 Summer Olympics in track and field! Yes, she is an Olympian, people! Marlena’s energy is infectious and her smile lights up a room. She knows who she is in this world and has worked hard for all that she has in life. When Marlena loves, she loves hard and is looking for the right partner with whom to settle down.”

21of 32Melina, 27ABC/Ricky MiddlesworthPersonal Trainer from West Hollywood, California"Melina is a bright, fun and charismatic gal who is ready to jump into the arms of the Bachelor, LITERALLY. When she’s not working, she can be found bouncing around the streets of LA in her KANGABOOTS™️, a shock absorbing workout shoe Melina created to make cardio more fun. She lives a fast-paced life that includes shopping for designer clothes, spending time with her horse and eating exclusively from the hot bar at Erewhon. Frankly, she needs a man who can keep up! Her dream partner is incredibly athletic, unapologetic and punctual. She is looking for her best friend and doesn’t plan on slowing down until she gets him!"

21of 32

Melina, 27

The Bachelor

Personal Trainer from West Hollywood, California

“Melina is a bright, fun and charismatic gal who is ready to jump into the arms of the Bachelor, LITERALLY. When she’s not working, she can be found bouncing around the streets of LA in her KANGABOOTS™️, a shock absorbing workout shoe Melina created to make cardio more fun. She lives a fast-paced life that includes shopping for designer clothes, spending time with her horse and eating exclusively from the hot bar at Erewhon. Frankly, she needs a man who can keep up! Her dream partner is incredibly athletic, unapologetic and punctual. She is looking for her best friend and doesn’t plan on slowing down until she gets him!”

22of 32Rachel, 25ABC/Ricky MiddlesworthFlight Instructor from Clermont, Florida"Rachel is a fearless frequent flyer looking for a man who will travel the world with her. After recently earning her private pilot license, the future is nothing but sunny skies ahead for Rachel and now she is hoping to find a co-pilot that matches her sense of adventure. As a hopeless romantic, Rachel is looking for someone who is as playful, passionate and spontaneous as she is. He should be nurturing, empathetic and MUST be respectful in all facets of life – to her, to family, and especially to waiters. In the end, Rachel wants to find crazy, insane love that makes sense to no one else but her and her soul mate."

22of 32

Rachel, 25

The Bachelor

Flight Instructor from Clermont, Florida

“Rachel is a fearless frequent flyer looking for a man who will travel the world with her. After recently earning her private pilot license, the future is nothing but sunny skies ahead for Rachel and now she is hoping to find a co-pilot that matches her sense of adventure. As a hopeless romantic, Rachel is looking for someone who is as playful, passionate and spontaneous as she is. He should be nurturing, empathetic and MUST be respectful in all facets of life – to her, to family, and especially to waiters. In the end, Rachel wants to find crazy, insane love that makes sense to no one else but her and her soul mate.”

23of 32Rianna, 26ABC/Ricky MiddlesworthRegistered Nurse from Dallas, Texas"A product of Texas, Rianna is a big personality with the cowgirl boots to match. She loves to two-step, hunt and horseback ride, and says she never hesitates to do something outrageous for a memory or experience. In recent years, Rianna has put her career and education at the forefront of her life, but now she’s ready to hop back in the saddle and take her shot at finding the one. Rianna is looking for a man who is family-oriented, outgoing and loyal. He must love to travel and bonus points for a man who loves hiking as much as she does. One thing Rianna isn’t interested in is a man who wants to change her because she loves who she is and knows that when she meets her soul mate, he’ll feel the exact same way."

23of 32

Rianna, 26

The Bachelor

Registered Nurse from Dallas, Texas

“A product of Texas, Rianna is a big personality with the cowgirl boots to match. She loves to two-step, hunt and horseback ride, and says she never hesitates to do something outrageous for a memory or experience. In recent years, Rianna has put her career and education at the forefront of her life, but now she’s ready to hop back in the saddle and take her shot at finding the one. Rianna is looking for a man who is family-oriented, outgoing and loyal. He must love to travel and bonus points for a man who loves hiking as much as she does. One thing Rianna isn’t interested in is a man who wants to change her because she loves who she is and knows that when she meets her soul mate, he’ll feel the exact same way.”

24of 32

Salley, 26

The Bachelor

Previously Engaged from Charlottesville, Virginia

25of 32Samantha, 26ABC/Ricky MiddlesworthOccupational Therapist from San Diego, California"Samantha is an outgoing go-getter who always has a glass-half-full attitude. She loves brunching, going to EDM festivals, and snuggling with her dog while enjoying a glass of white wine. Samantha’s career is extremely important to her, but it is not her No. 1 priority – having a family is her biggest desire and she is ready to find a man with whom to grow a family! Samantha’s dream man is gregarious, loyal and supportive. He also must be able to clean up after himself because Samantha wants a partner and not someone that she has to take care of. Samantha is looking for a real man who will enhance her life, and she’s ready to put it all on the line for the pursuit of love."

25of 32

Samantha, 26

The Bachelor

Occupational Therapist from San Diego, California

“Samantha is an outgoing go-getter who always has a glass-half-full attitude. She loves brunching, going to EDM festivals, and snuggling with her dog while enjoying a glass of white wine. Samantha’s career is extremely important to her, but it is not her No. 1 priority – having a family is her biggest desire and she is ready to find a man with whom to grow a family! Samantha’s dream man is gregarious, loyal and supportive. He also must be able to clean up after himself because Samantha wants a partner and not someone that she has to take care of. Samantha is looking for a real man who will enhance her life, and she’s ready to put it all on the line for the pursuit of love.”

26of 32

Sarah, 23

The Bachelor

Wealth Management Advisor from New York City, New York

27of 32Serene, 26ABC/Ricky MiddlesworthElementary School Teacher from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma"Serene’s spirit is robust and her passion is strong. When she’s not making a difference in her student’s lives, she loves to spend time relaxing with close friends or planning her next big adventure. Serene knows her worth and what she needs to be happy. When it comes to relationships, she wants to find a man who is truly worthy of her commitment and ready to give her that same level of commitment back. Her dream man is honest, clear on what he wants, and an excellent communicator. He’s open to trying new things, willing to be vulnerable, and ready to have a big family. Serene has a huge heart and a lot of love to give, so we can’t wait to see if she finds our Bachelor a worthy recipient."

27of 32

Serene, 26

The Bachelor

Elementary School Teacher from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

“Serene’s spirit is robust and her passion is strong. When she’s not making a difference in her student’s lives, she loves to spend time relaxing with close friends or planning her next big adventure. Serene knows her worth and what she needs to be happy. When it comes to relationships, she wants to find a man who is truly worthy of her commitment and ready to give her that same level of commitment back. Her dream man is honest, clear on what he wants, and an excellent communicator. He’s open to trying new things, willing to be vulnerable, and ready to have a big family. Serene has a huge heart and a lot of love to give, so we can’t wait to see if she finds our Bachelor a worthy recipient.”

28of 32Shanae, 29ABC/Ricky MiddlesworthRecruiter from Sycamore, Ohio"Shanae is a small-town girl with a HUGE personality. She describes herself as faithful, patient and lovable, and is here to find a man who can keep up with her in all facets of life. She is looking for a man with confidence that won’t waste time playing games. She also values her independence, so while Shanae wants to build a life with someone, she also wants someone who encourages her to achieve the goals she has set for herself. Above all, Shanae wants to be able to be herself with a man who will honor and cherish her for the gem that she is."

28of 32

Shanae, 29

The Bachelor

Recruiter from Sycamore, Ohio

“Shanae is a small-town girl with a HUGE personality. She describes herself as faithful, patient and lovable, and is here to find a man who can keep up with her in all facets of life. She is looking for a man with confidence that won’t waste time playing games. She also values her independence, so while Shanae wants to build a life with someone, she also wants someone who encourages her to achieve the goals she has set for herself. Above all, Shanae wants to be able to be herself with a man who will honor and cherish her for the gem that she is.”

29of 32Sierra, 26ABC/Ricky MiddlesworthYoga Instructor from Dallas, Texas"Sierra is a bold and beautiful firecracker of a woman. She loves traveling, yoga, dressing to impress, and working toward achieving her goals. Sierra says that everything she does has deep thought and purpose, so then why come to “The Bachelor”? Sierra is ready for marriage and she wants it soon! She is looking for a man who is cultured, direct and just as ambitious as she is. Also, please be clean because Sierra has no time for anyone with bad hygiene. Sierra is done wasting time and is ready to jump into love with both feet. Will Clayton be the man to take the plunge with her? Only time will tell."

29of 32

Sierra, 26

The Bachelor

Yoga Instructor from Dallas, Texas

“Sierra is a bold and beautiful firecracker of a woman. She loves traveling, yoga, dressing to impress, and working toward achieving her goals. Sierra says that everything she does has deep thought and purpose, so then why come to “The Bachelor”? Sierra is ready for marriage and she wants it soon! She is looking for a man who is cultured, direct and just as ambitious as she is. Also, please be clean because Sierra has no time for anyone with bad hygiene. Sierra is done wasting time and is ready to jump into love with both feet. Will Clayton be the man to take the plunge with her? Only time will tell.”

30of 32Susie, 28ABC/Ricky MiddlesworthWedding Videographer from Virginia Beach, Virginia"Susie is a beauty queen with a passion for adventure. Whether it’s moving to Japan to experience a new culture or winning Miss Virginia 2020, Susie loves to defy expectations and is looking for a man who will keep life interesting. What Susie finds sexy is a thoughtful man who prioritizes quality time and creating shared experiences. With Susie, loyalty is the bottom line and she needs someone she can trust to her core. Above all, she wants someone who will always be there to support and encourage her dreams no matter where those dreams take her."

30of 32

Susie, 28

The Bachelor

Wedding Videographer from Virginia Beach, Virginia

“Susie is a beauty queen with a passion for adventure. Whether it’s moving to Japan to experience a new culture or winning Miss Virginia 2020, Susie loves to defy expectations and is looking for a man who will keep life interesting. What Susie finds sexy is a thoughtful man who prioritizes quality time and creating shared experiences. With Susie, loyalty is the bottom line and she needs someone she can trust to her core. Above all, she wants someone who will always be there to support and encourage her dreams no matter where those dreams take her.”

31of 32

Teddi, 24

The Bachelor

Surgical Unit Nurse from Highland, California

32of 32Tessa, 26ABC/Ricky MiddlesworthHuman Resources Specialist from Brooklyn, New York"Tessa is such a romantic that she is often accused of being cinematic. She loves grand romantic gestures, and when asked how she feels about love, she says “there’s definitely a moment to be extra and romance is IT!” She loves attending concerts, spending time at her neighborhood dive bar, and dancing through the night until the sun comes up. Tessa is looking for a man who is kind, inclusive, and always pushing themselves to be better. She finds vulnerability super attractive and wants to be with a man who doesn’t have trouble sharing his emotions. Tessa also dreams of finding someone to share her passion for music with because, for her, there is no sweeter song than a song of love."

32of 32

Tessa, 26

The Bachelor

Human Resources Specialist from Brooklyn, New York

“Tessa is such a romantic that she is often accused of being cinematic. She loves grand romantic gestures, and when asked how she feels about love, she says “there’s definitely a moment to be extra and romance is IT!” She loves attending concerts, spending time at her neighborhood dive bar, and dancing through the night until the sun comes up. Tessa is looking for a man who is kind, inclusive, and always pushing themselves to be better. She finds vulnerability super attractive and wants to be with a man who doesn’t have trouble sharing his emotions. Tessa also dreams of finding someone to share her passion for music with because, for her, there is no sweeter song than a song of love.”

source: people.com