Metuchen, NJ — An exciting season in the South Conference saw SA Athenians advance to the UWS National Championship Tournament for the second year running. They’re represented in this year’s awards by Goalkeeper of the Year Mia Wildeman and Defensive Player of the Year Eve Clarkson. Luxoria FC standout Kennedy Kessler was honored as the South Conference Offensive Player of the Year, while Garvin Quamina of Atlanta Panthers was the conference’s top coach.
After yet another outstanding season between the posts for SA Athenians, Mia Wildeman retained her crown as the South Conference Goalkeeper of the Year. A fantastic shot stopper, Wildeman conceded just two goals all season, with her only blemish from open play coming in the semifinals of the UWS National Championship. In total, she played 690 minutes of nearly perfect defensive soccer.
Another vital piece of the outstanding SA Athenians defense this season was Eve Clarkson, who won the South Conference Defensive Player of the Year award. Clarkson could always be counted on to make a vital intervention at a key time, with a number of game-saving blocks or tackles throughout the season. Appearing in 10 of her squad’s 11 games, Clarkson showcased technical quality on the ball, too, as a truly complete center back.
Kennedy Kessler of Luxoria FC is the second repeat-honoree among this group, as she claimed the South Conference Offensive Player of the Year honor for the second season running. Playing for UWS debutants Luxoria FC, Kessler delivered an elite goalscoring return of 11 goals in eight games, once again showcasing her attacking proficiency from her spot in midfield.
Garvin Quamina claimed South Conference Coach of the Year recognition for his work with Atlanta Panthers in the Southeast Division. Quamina coached his team to a regular-season division title, as Atlanta Panthers finished with a perfect 7-0-0 record, scoring 32 goals and conceding only once. Quamina’s work in player development also makes him worthy of recognition, as does his ability to motivate.
GK – Mia Wildeman (San Antonio Athenians)
D – Eve Clarkson (San Antonio Athenians)
D – Eva Wirtz (Atlanta Panthers)
D – Maddy Bondon (Atlanta Panthers)
M – Kennedy Kessler (Luxoria FC)
M – Jillian Martinez (San Antonio Athenians)
M – Ella Martinez (Atlanta Panthers)
M – Morgan Bentley (Atlanta Panthers)
M – Melissa Millour (FC Austin Elite)
F – Keeley Ayala (San Antonio Athenians)
F – Ryann Hierholzer (FC Austin Elite)
GK – Mary Cardone (FC Austin Elite)
D – Virginia Rocky Herrera (Luxoria FC)
D – Lexie Anderson (Luxoria FC)
D – Ashley Newland (San Antonio Athenians)
M – Simi Awujo (Atlanta Panthers)
M – Lucy Ortiz (WilCo FC)
M – Carlyn Pressley (Wilco FC)
M – Mikayla Uyokpeyi (Luxoria FC)
F – Emily Heidman (Luxoria FC)
F – Sierra Wannamaker (San Antonio Athenians)
F – Michelle Gonzalez (Luxoria FC)
Kelsi LaFavers (CTX Hornets)
Mikayla Uyokpeyi (Luxoria FC)
