KANSAS CITY (Nov. 2) – Brie Hooks and Stephanie Spiekerman of the Seattle University women’s soccer team were named Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year, respectively, at the conference’s awards banquet Wednesday. The pair was joined by Karli White and Natasha Howe on the First Team, while Rosalie Sittauer was chosen Second Team.
Hooks leads the Redhawks with seven goals and 17 points this year. She has scored a team-high four game-winning goals in her senior season. The Maple Valley, Washington, native posted game-winners at Texas and Boise State to open the 2016 schedule.
“Brie has made such an impact in such a short time with our program,” said Coach Julie Woodward. “Her speed, strength, and ability to score big goals makes a huge difference for our team. She loves to win and brings such a competitive attitude to our team.”
She is the fourth consecutive Redhawk to win WAC Offensive Player of the Year. Julia Moravec (2015) and Stephanie Verdoia (2013, 2014) won the award previously for SU.
Spiekerman started all 18 games this season, keying an SU defense that allowed just five goals in conference play. The native of Seattle earned three WAC Defensive Player of the Week honors in her junior campaign.
“Stephanie logged more minutes than any other player this season and is so reliable,” said Woodward. “She trains hard, plays hard, and loves the game of soccer. Her technical ability and IQ always make a difference for us.”
White recorded five goals, along with two assists in 18 matches. The sophomore from North Bend, Washington, tallied three game-winning goals. Last month, she put together a three-game streak where she scored four times to lead SU to three victories.
“Karli is one of the most special players I have seen in awhile,” said Woodward. “She is so dynamic and explosive off the dribble. She is probably one of the most complete players on the team. She gets better and better everyday.”
Howe, a senior, notched six goals and a pair of helpers this season. The Mission Viejo, California, native logged her first career hat trick at Utah Valley last weekend.
“Natasha’s work ethic in practice and games is unlike anyone I have ever seen,” said Woodward. “She has a true gift for scoring goals and is so unbelievably fun to watch play.”
Sittauer, out of Everett, Washington, contributed a goal and an assist in 18 outings. She helped control the central midfield for the Redhawks.
“She is such an incredibly steady presence for us in the midfield,” said Woodward. “She keeps the game simple and is so dominant in the air.”
SU landed a league-high five players on the All-WAC teams. The Redhawks are the first team to win both Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year since 2011.
Woodward’s squad won its fourth straight WAC regular season title. They will face the winner of tomorrow’s Utah Valley/New Mexico State match on Friday, Nov. 4, at 2 p.m. SU won the WAC Championship in 2013 and 2014.