Top Performers of 2024 Women’s DI Soccer Season Revealed

ByCoach

The 2024 women’s Division I soccer season concluded with a spectacular finish. The North Carolina Tar Heels clinched their first national championship in 12 years. This season was filled with remarkable individual performances, team successes, and unexpected triumphs.

In this blog post, we delve into the standout players and coaches who made this season unforgettable. We’ll highlight the TopDrawerSoccer post-season awards. From the Player of the Year to the Freshman of the Year, and the Coach of the Year, we cover it all.

Player of the Year: Kate Faasse

Kate Faasse of North Carolina emerged as the TDS Player of the Year, a testament to her incredible season. The junior forward netted 20 goals, becoming the fourth player this century to win a national championship while leading the country in goals.

Faasse’s goals were not mere stat-padding. She tied for the national lead with eight game-winning goals, including crucial strikes in the quarter and semi-final of the NCAA Tournament. This Arizona native’s journey from scoring just four goals in her first 40 collegiate games to leading the nation is nothing short of phenomenal.

Runner-Up: Caiya Hanks

While Faasse took the top honor, Caiya Hanks of Wake Forest also had an exceptional season. Hanks led Wake Forest to its first College Cup final, finishing as one of two players in the country with at least 11 goals and 12 assists. Her all-around play and leadership were pivotal for Wake Forest’s historic run.

Freshman of the Year: Izzy Engle

Izzy Engle from Notre Dame was named Freshman of the Year after an outstanding debut season. The Minnesota native scored 19 goals, tied for second in the country, and led her team to the Elite Eight.

Engle’s combination of speed, technique, and finishing ability made her a nightmare for defenders and a standout performer all season long.

Notable Freshmen

Engle wasn’t the only freshman making waves this season. Other standout first-year players included:

  • Trinity Armstrong (North Carolina)
  • Amalia Villarreal (Texas)
  • Keegan Smith (Arkansas)
  • Jinny Lackey (James Madison)

Coach of the Year: Damon Nahas

Damon Nahas was honored as Coach of the Year after leading the North Carolina Tar Heels to the national championship in his first season as head coach. Nahas took over just four days before the season started and operated with an interim tag until the morning of the final.

Despite these challenges, he guided a team that returned only one starter to national glory, making his achievement even more remarkable.

TopDrawerSoccer Best XI Teams

First Team

The First Team features a blend of experienced stars and emerging talents:

  • Forwards: Kate Faasse (North Carolina), Caiya Hanks (Wake Forest), Izzy Engle (Notre Dame)
  • Midfielders: Taylor Huff (Florida State), Maggie Graham (Duke), Helena Sampaio (USC), Macey Hodge (Mississippi State)
  • Defenders: Lilly Reale (UCLA), Macy Blackburn (Texas Tech), Brooklyn Courtnall (USC)
  • Goalkeeper: Leah Freeman (Duke)

Second Team

The Second Team also showcases exceptional talent:

  • Forwards: Ava Tankersley (Arkansas), Kailyn Dudukovich (Ohio State), Catherine Barry (South Carolina)
  • Midfielders: Mia Bhuta (Stanford), Emily Colton (Wake Forest), Tessa Dellarose (North Carolina), Baylee DeSmit (Loyola (MD))
  • Defenders: Trinity Armstrong (North Carolina), Natalie Bain (Xavier), Cameron Roller (Duke)
  • Goalkeeper: Clare Gagne (North Carolina)

Third Team

The Third Team rounds out the best of the best:

  • Forwards: Jennifer Blitchok (Western Michigan), Kayla Rollins (Wisconsin-Milwaukee), Khyah Harper (Minnesota)
  • Midfielders: Lexi Missimo (Texas), Anna Haddock (Auburn), Hannah Bebar (Duke), Justina Gaynor (Michigan State)
  • Defenders: Zara Chavoshi (Wake Forest), Lyndsey Heckel (Saint Louis), Kaitlyn Richins (Utah State)
  • Goalkeeper: Maddy Anderson (Mississippi State)

Freshman Best XI Teams

First Team

The Freshman Best XI First Team highlights the future stars of women’s college soccer:

  • Forwards: Amalia Villarreal (Texas), Katie Shea Collins (South Carolina), Ginny Lackey (James Madison)
  • Midfielders: Linda Ullmark (North Carolina), Charlotte Kohler (Stanford), Grace Restovich (Notre Dame), Nalani Damacion (Hawaii)
  • Defenders: Abigail Mills (Notre Dame), Nicola (Nicki) Fraser (UCLA), Julia Belli (Michigan State)
  • Goalkeeper: Keegan Smith (Arkansas)

Second Team

The Freshman Best XI Second Team includes many promising talents:

  • Forwards: Anaiyah Robinson (Arkansas), Samantha Erbach (Xavier), Morgan Russmann (North Dakota State)
  • Midfielders: Ai Kitagawa (Memphis), Morgan Brown (TCU), Mika Krommenhoek (BYU), Elizabeth Heller (Georgetown)
  • Defenders: Bella Gaetino (North Carolina), Ashley Thurk (Minnesota), Claire Casey (Georgia Southern)
  • Goalkeeper: Sophia Dawe (Kansas)

The 2024 women’s Division I soccer season will be remembered for its thrilling matches, outstanding individual performances, and the emergence of new talents.

As we look forward to the next season, the achievements of these players and coaches will serve as a benchmark for excellence in college soccer.

For more detailed insights and the complete list of award winners, visit TopDrawerSoccer.

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