Soccer | 11/26/2024 1:37:00 PM

DENTON, Texas (Nov. 26, 2024) - For the second consecutive season, senior defender Alyssa Valdez has been named to the Division II Conference Commissioners Association All-South Central Region Team. This marks the second time in her career that she has earned a spot on the All-South Central Regional Second Team.

Following the 2023 season with the Pioneers, Valdez was joined by Amanda Farris on the All-South Central Regional Second Team. This recognition is only the fifth time in program history that TWU has had players receive this prestigious honor.

"AV has been a calm presence on our backline," Head Coach Babak Abouzar said. "From being a great 1v1 defender, to attacking down the flanks, she has been an integral part of our team and much deserving of this award.

Valdez was a key piece for the Pioneers, contributing to a strong defensive back line that finished the regular season ranked second in goals allowed, with only 11 goals in 17 games. The Pioneers' defense, along with outstanding plays from Farris in goal, achieved 11 shutouts during the season and helped TWU reach the semifinal round of the Lone Star Conference Championships.

The Dallas native was also named to the All-LSC First Team for the first time in her career, having previously received All-Conference second and third team honors. Valdez made the All-LSC Tournament Team as well, alongside freshman goalkeeper Faith Graves, after contributing two assists in the tournament, leading to both Pioneers goals scored. Additionally, she was recognized as one of six Pioneers named to the Academic All-District team by College Sports Communicators (CSC) last week.

The storied season for the senior defender ended in the semifinals of the LSC tournament, falling just short of another trip to the NCAA Regional Tournament.

-PIONEERS-