Women's Soccer Takes Home Multiple AAC Awards

WALESKA, Ga.- The women's soccer program saw a number of their student-athletes names littered across the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Women's Soccer Season Awards. The awards were announced by the league office on Thursday.

Natascha Frei was named the Co-AAC Defensieve Player of the Year. The defender anchored a defense that posted 11 shutouts in 14 wins this season, only allowing 0.53 goals per game. The team only allowed 10 goals on the season, the least in the AAC.

Krista Eik Hardardottir won the Golden Boot Award, given to the league's highest goal-scorer in conference play. The striker scored 22 goals during AAC play and 26 goals on the season. 

Along with Frei and Hardardottir, Valerie Koopman (Midfielder), Lauryn Smith (Defender), and Laia Roch Font (Goalkeeper) were named to the All-AAC First Team.

Addison Smith was named to the All-AAC Second Team at Midfielder.

While being a staunch defender, Frei also contributed six goals and three assists for 15 points during the season. L. Smith had three assists while helping the defense control their opponents' scores. Roch Font started in 16 games this season, finishing with 51 saves and securing 12 wins. Koopman plated four goals and eight assists during the season in the midfield. Hardardottir scored 26 goals during the season and had 10 assists for 62 points.

A. Smith scored three games while assisting on eight goals. 

The team's representative on the AAC Champions of Character Team was L. Smith. 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. 

17 student-athletes were named to the AAC All-Academic Team, the second-most in the conference. Karanna Bailey, Alyssa Battiston, Lucia Bonfante, Alyssa Bridges, Madelyn Bull, Annabel Cuthbert, Hardardottir, Frei, Jenna Gibson, Madisen Hodges, Samantha Holsenbeck, Lisa Kirwan, Alayna Richardson, Emma Shell, A. Smith, Jordan Smith, and L. Smith all earned a spot 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.