ULM Warhawks Shine in 2024 LWSA All-Louisiana Soccer Selections
The University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM) women’s soccer team has made significant strides in the 2024 season. Three of its standout players earned prestigious spots on the Louisiana Sports Writers Association (LWSA) All-Louisiana College Women’s Soccer Team. This recognition highlights the exceptional talent and dedication of ULM’s athletes, setting a new benchmark for the program.
Freshman goalkeeper Jennifer Handy, senior midfielder Mara Grutkamp, and senior forward Skylar Blaise have all been honored for their outstanding performances, contributing to ULM’s growing reputation in collegiate soccer.
Jennifer Handy: A Stellar Freshman Season
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Jennifer Handy’s remarkable freshman season has been nothing short of extraordinary. Named the LWSA All-Louisiana Freshman of the Year, Handy’s achievements have set her apart as one of the top young talents in the state.
She tied the program’s record for season shutouts with seven and secured the fifth spot in goals-against average at 1.34. Additionally, her seven shutouts led the Sun Belt Conference, underscoring her dominance on the field.
Breaking Records and Earning Honors
Handy’s performance this season has not only earned her individual accolades but has also made history for ULM Soccer. This is the first time a ULM player has been named the All-Louisiana Freshman of the Year. Her contributions have been pivotal in the team’s success, and her recognition as an All-Louisiana Honorable Mention further cements her status as a rising star.
Mara Grutkamp: A Record-Breaking Senior Season
Senior midfielder Mara Grutkamp has capped off her collegiate career with a record-breaking season that has earned her a place on the All-Louisiana First Team. Grutkamp’s performance this season has been nothing short of spectacular, with four goals and six assists, and a nationally-ranked .638 shot accuracy.
Her consistent excellence over the years has culminated in her fourth All-Louisiana team selection, having been named Honorable Mention for the previous three seasons.
Setting New Standards
Grutkamp’s achievements this season include tying the all-time points and assist records at ULM, with 56 and 24, respectively. She also ranks on the leaderboard in eight other categories, including career goals, shots, shots on goal, game-winning goals, and starts.
Her impact on the field and her leadership have been instrumental in ULM’s success, making her one of the most decorated players in the program’s history.
Skylar Blaise: Consistency and Excellence
In her second season at ULM, senior forward Skylar Blaise has earned an All-Louisiana Honorable Mention. Blaise led the team with 17 points and seven goals, showcasing her scoring prowess with a brace against James Madison on October 4.
Her shot accuracy of .568, with 25 shots on target out of 44, ranks second in the Sun Belt Conference, highlighting her efficiency and skill.
A Key Contributor
Blaise’s contributions have been vital to the team’s offensive success. Her ability to consistently find the back of the net and create scoring opportunities has made her a key player for ULM. Her recognition as an Honorable Mention is a testament to her hard work and dedication to the sport.
Recognition and Selection Process
The LWSA All-Louisiana College Women’s Soccer Team is chosen by a group of voters from state media relations and communications offices, along with selected media members. The selection process is based on nominations made by each university, with school media relations voters unable to vote for players from their own institutions. This ensures a fair and unbiased selection of the most deserving players.
The 2024 LWSA All-Louisiana College Women’s Soccer Team
The 2024 LWSA All-Louisiana College Women’s Soccer Team features a diverse group of talented players from various universities across the state. The team includes:
- Player of the Year: Luci Schroeder, Xavier
- Newcomer of the Year (tie): Sydney Cheesman, LSU; Kendall Curran, Southeastern; Samira Roper, Xavier
- Freshman of the Year: Jennifer Handy, ULM
- Coach of the Year: Ashley Cordeiro, Xavier
The First Team selections include players from various universities, showcasing the depth of talent in Louisiana collegiate soccer:
- Luci Schroeder | Xavier | MF | Sr. | Samtens, Germany
- Jayla Gage | Grambling | F | Jr. | Norwalk, Calif.
- Taylor Spitzer | Northwestern State | F | Jr. | Allen, Texas
- Ida Hermannsdottir | LSU | F | Jr. | Reykjavik, Iceland
- Dawniella Torres | LSU Shreveport | MF | Sr. | Cali, Colombia
- Samira Roper | Xavier | F | Jr. | Heredia, Costa Rica
- Diana Godines | LSU Shreveport | MF | Jr. | Houston, Texas
- Maria Alonso | Louisiana Christian | MF | Sr. | Boadilla del Monte, Madrid, Spain
- Emily Senatore | Northwestern State | MF | So. | Oxford, Conn.
- Mara Grutkamp | ULM | MF | Sr. | Mülheim an de Ruhr, Germany
- Theresa Wiesiolek | Xavier | GK | Sr. | Karlsruhe, Germany
The Honorable Mention list includes a mix of experienced players and rising stars, highlighting the breadth of talent in Louisiana women’s collegiate soccer:
- Juliana Anchondo, LSU Shreveport
- Hannah McCord, Southeastern
- Julia de Souza, Xavier
- Sydney Cheesman, LSU
- Skylar Blaise, ULM
- Emma Monnet, Louisiana Christian
- Hille Baumfalk, LSU Alexandria
- Lucy Ortiz, Louisiana
- Lauren Bennett, Louisiana
- Kalli Matlock, Louisiana Tech
- Kyra Taylor, Louisiana Tech
- Khori Banks, Grambling
- Allie Kyle, Louisiana Christian
- Fenja Leibner, LSU Alexandria
- Kylie Zeller, Centenary
- Jennifer Handy, ULM
- Kendall Curran, Southeastern
- Natalie Mayes, Louisiana
- Jackie Kelly, McNeese
Conclusion
The recognition of Jennifer Handy, Mara Grutkamp, and Skylar Blaise on the LWSA All-Louisiana College Women’s Soccer Team is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and exceptional talent. Their achievements have not only brought honor to themselves but have also elevated the ULM women’s soccer program to new heights.
As these players continue to excel, they inspire future generations of athletes to strive for greatness. For more detailed information, visit the official ULM Warhawks website.