Men's Soccer Nabs Multiple Conference Awards

WALESKA, Ga.- The men's soccer team had multiple student-athletes earn Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) end-of-the-year awards at the end of the season. 

Earning a spot on the All-AAC First Team was Dave Neijenhuis. The junior, who played all over the field for the Bulldogs but mostly up top, nabbed the spot as a forward. The Milingen, Netherlands native led the team with 11 goals this season while adding seven assists, second most on the team. Neijenhuis had a team-high 29 points on the season. Neijenhuis was tied fourth in the conference in goals, tied for sixth in assists, fifth in points. 

Michael Garrihy, Cian Gantley, and Kuda Nhiwatiwa were all named to the All-AAC Second Team. 

As a goalie, Garrihy finished the season with 12 wins while only allowing 24 goals. The senior only allowed 1.16 goals per game, the fifth-best in the conference, and finished with 59 saves. The Lisdoonvarna, Ireland native had five shutouts during the 2023 season. 

Gantley, the team leader in assists with nine, earned a spot as a defender. The Helen's Bay, Ireland native also scored two goals this season to finish with 13 points this season. The junior was tied for second in assists in the AAC. Gantley helped the defense pitch nine shutouts in 2023. 

Nhiwatiwa also was named to the second team as a defender. The senior was tied for second on the team with goals with six and had one assist for 13 points. The Norwich, England native helped the defense hold teams scoreless in nine games. 

Zach Blair was named the team's representative to the AAC Champions of Character Team. To be named to the Champions of Character Team, a player must exhibit the NAIA's Five Core Values of Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Sportsmanship, and Servant Leadership.

Luis Baldivieso, Blair, Pedro DeMoraes, Gabe Katz, Sifiso Ngwenya, and Julien Withrow all earned spots on the AAC All-Academic Team. To be selected to the All-Academic Team, a student-athlete must be in sophomore in academic standing and maintain a 3.25 grade-point average