Top Performers Shine in 2024 Women’s DI Soccer Postseason Awards

ByCoach

The 2024 women’s Division I soccer season has come to an exhilarating conclusion. The North Carolina Tar Heels ended a 12-year trophy drought by claiming the national championship. This remarkable season has been punctuated by outstanding individual performances, team achievements, and coaching excellence.

These awards recognize the top talents and contributors based on a comprehensive analysis of the entire season. Let’s delve into the highlights and celebrate the achievements of the top players, coaches, and teams of this unforgettable season.

Player of the Year: Kate Faasse, North Carolina

Kate Faasse of North Carolina has been named the TDS Player of the Year, a testament to her extraordinary performance throughout the season. Faasse, a junior forward, netted an impressive 20 goals, making her the fourth player this century to lead the nation in goals while also winning a national championship. Her contributions were not just prolific but also crucial, as she tied for the national lead with eight game-winning goals. Faasse’s standout moments included back-to-back winners in the quarter and semi-finals of the NCAA Tournament.

From Underdog to Superstar

Faasse’s journey to the top has been nothing short of remarkable. Entering the 2024 season with just four goals in her previous 40 collegiate games, she surpassed this tally within the first month of the campaign. Her rise from a relatively unknown player to the leading goal scorer in the nation underscores her dedication, skill, and determination.

Freshman of the Year: Izzy Engle, Notre Dame

Izzy Engle of Notre Dame has been honored as the Freshman of the Year, following a sensational debut season. The Minnesota native scored 19 goals, tying for the second-highest in the country and leading her young Irish squad to the Elite Eight. Engle’s 19 goals are the most by a freshman since Charde Hannah of South Alabama in 2014, showcasing her elite combination of speed, technique, and finishing prowess.

A Rising Star

Engle’s impact on the field was immediate and profound. Her ability to consistently find the back of the net and her overall influence on the game made her a standout performer. As a freshman, her future in college soccer looks incredibly bright, and she is certainly a player to watch in the coming seasons.

Coach of the Year: Damon Nahas, North Carolina

Damon Nahas has been named Coach of the Year after leading the North Carolina Tar Heels to the national championship in his first season at the helm. Nahas took over the team just four days before the season began and operated with an interim tag until the morning of the final. Despite these challenges, he guided a squad that returned just one starter to the national title, demonstrating exceptional leadership and tactical acumen.

A Masterclass in Coaching

Nahas’ ability to quickly adapt and inspire his team was pivotal to North Carolina’s success. His strategic decisions and motivational skills played a crucial role in navigating the team through a highly competitive season and ultimately securing the championship.

TopDrawerSoccer Best XI Teams

The TopDrawerSoccer Best XI teams feature the top performers of the season, divided into First, Second, and Third Teams. These selections highlight players who have excelled in their respective positions and made significant contributions to their teams.

First Team

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

The Freshman Best XI teams spotlight the most impressive first-year players, showcasing the future stars of college soccer.

First Team

  • 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

  • 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)

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