ARLINGTON, Texas - The Western Athletic Conference preseason coaches' poll has named senior Kait Raffensperger the Defensive Player of the Year, as announced by the league office today.
Raffensperger, a senior from Redmond, Wash., started every match last season and played every minute on her way to a Co-Defensive Player of the Year selection. She was also a two-time recipient of the conference's weekly defensive player of the week award and scored her first three career collegiate goals. Her selection also makes it back-to-back seasons where she makes the Preseason All-WAC Team.
"Our coaching staff was excited to hear about the preseason awards and predictions," said head coach Julie Woodward. "Kait is such a leader and main stay in our back line, and we were happy to see her recognized for that."
Joining Raffensperger on the All-WAC team is Caroline Penner and U'i Kaaihue. Penner led the Redhawks in 2023 with eight goals scored, on her way to a second-straight Second Team All-WAC selection. The junior midfielder from Olympia, Wash., also leads the team in total goals scored since her freshman season in 2022 (12).
Despite missing the majority of last season with injury, Kaaihue was still voted one of the best players in the league. The midfielder from Maui, Hawaii, scored one goal in four games last season which followed a seven goal and one assist output that earned her WAC Freshman of the Year in 2022.
"We are extremely happy to have U'i back in the mix and it looks like she hasn't skipped a beat, while we know Penner will have a great junior campaign as well," Woodward added of her players.
Seattle U was also picked second in the preseason coaches' poll, tied with Grand Canyon in total points. Seattle U does hold the edge in first place-votes, receiving two to the Lopes one. Last season's regular season champion Utah Valley was picked as the preseason favorite with five first-place votes.
"For our team to be chosen to finish second is quite an honor," Woodward added. "The conference is extremely competitive, and any team can win on any given day as every game is a battle."
The Redhawks will open the 2024 regular season vs Big Ten opponent Oregon in Eugene on Thursday, Aug. 15. Kickoff between the Redhawks and Ducks is scheduled for 7pm PT.
Raffensperger, a senior from Redmond, Wash., started every match last season and played every minute on her way to a Co-Defensive Player of the Year selection. She was also a two-time recipient of the conference's weekly defensive player of the week award and scored her first three career collegiate goals. Her selection also makes it back-to-back seasons where she makes the Preseason All-WAC Team.
"Our coaching staff was excited to hear about the preseason awards and predictions," said head coach Julie Woodward. "Kait is such a leader and main stay in our back line, and we were happy to see her recognized for that."
Joining Raffensperger on the All-WAC team is Caroline Penner and U'i Kaaihue. Penner led the Redhawks in 2023 with eight goals scored, on her way to a second-straight Second Team All-WAC selection. The junior midfielder from Olympia, Wash., also leads the team in total goals scored since her freshman season in 2022 (12).
Despite missing the majority of last season with injury, Kaaihue was still voted one of the best players in the league. The midfielder from Maui, Hawaii, scored one goal in four games last season which followed a seven goal and one assist output that earned her WAC Freshman of the Year in 2022.
"We are extremely happy to have U'i back in the mix and it looks like she hasn't skipped a beat, while we know Penner will have a great junior campaign as well," Woodward added of her players.
Seattle U was also picked second in the preseason coaches' poll, tied with Grand Canyon in total points. Seattle U does hold the edge in first place-votes, receiving two to the Lopes one. Last season's regular season champion Utah Valley was picked as the preseason favorite with five first-place votes.
"For our team to be chosen to finish second is quite an honor," Woodward added. "The conference is extremely competitive, and any team can win on any given day as every game is a battle."
The Redhawks will open the 2024 regular season vs Big Ten opponent Oregon in Eugene on Thursday, Aug. 15. Kickoff between the Redhawks and Ducks is scheduled for 7pm PT.
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