Sept. 2, 2014

IRVING, Texas – Baylor soccer forward Precious Akanyirige was named Big 12 Newcomer of the Week, the league announced Tuesday.

The Pleasanton, Calif., native is the sixth all-time at BU to earn the newcomer honor and third under the Jobsons. Sophomore teammate Ashley York was the last to garner the honor as she did so after her first collegiate weekend on Aug. 27, 2013. Overall, the Bears have had 29 Big 12 weekly honorees and 12 under the Jobsons.

Akanyirige took just one shot in two games during the week but made it count, converting the game-winner as Baylor won at No. 23 BYU, 2-1, on Monday. After York corralled a goalie kick in the 46th minute, Akanyirige took the pass and booted a left-footed shot to the top left of the goal in a one-on-one situation with BYU’s goalie. Akanyirige has played in all four of BU’s games this year, including three starts, and has taken five shots (two on goal) in 179 minutes of action.

Akanyirige and Co. return to action this weekend at home as the Bears (3-1-0) face Incarnate Word on Friday at 7 p.m. CT on senior night and Northwestern State on Sunday at 1 p.m.

Senior captain Alana D’Onofrio was named to the First Team All-Big Sky Conference selection.
D’Onofrio was a part of a great defense this year that allowed only 0.94 goals per game. The captain fromPleasanton, Calif. was also named Big Sky Defensive Player of the Week twice this season and recorded an assist against Southern Utah. Her first honor came on Sept. 10 as D’Onofrio help shutout UNLV.
“I think it is a deserving honor for Alana and our whole backline,” said head coach Andre Luciano. “Her work ethic and commitment to become one of the best defenders in the Big Sky was apparent on Sunday night.” 

Alana played at the competitive level for the Pleasanton Rage for 9 years. She is a bio-med major/History minor graduating in May 2014.

Dani Rodriques (on the left), who played for the Pleasanton RAGE U17 and U18 ECNL teams was named to the Mountain West Conference All Tournament Team. Dani is a sophomore for Fresno State. RAGE has two other starters on the Fresno team, Amanda Nunes and Alyssa Holsworth, both freshmen. Fresno compiled a notable record of 7-3-1 in conference play this season.

Posted: 11/18/13

The Golden State Athletic Conference has announced that Westmont goalkeeper Lindsey Smith has been named the Women’s Soccer Co-Player of the Year. Smith shares the honor with Vanguard forward Jordan Davidson.
“This recognition has been three years in the making,” said Westmont head coach Kristi Kiely of Smith’s award. “I thought she was, if not the best, one of the best keepers in the conference her sophomore year. Last year, she was good, but was hampered by her injury. This year, it was the culmination of everything – her hard work and being injury free.”
This is the third All-GSAC Team selection for Smith who played throughout the 2012 season with a torn ligament in her elbow.
In 2013, playing in the strongest conference for women’s soccer in the NAIA, Smith has allowed just six goals and ranks second in the NAIA with a goals-against average of 0.38. She has tallied seven shutouts and combined with sophomore keeper Lauren Dorr for six shared shutouts.
“Lindsey has been absolutely excellent,” praised Kiely. “In the big games, she is the one who has kept us in the games and given us a chance to be successful on the other end of the field. She has been a leader in the back and has made huge saves. I am thankful that she has been recognized for her talent, because she is one of the best in the country.”

Article Written by J.R. Eskilson, ESNN
Published: August 5, 2013

Brianna Nicholas, Forward, Pleasanton Rage

Class: 2014

Commitment: Army

Some people are destined for more, and Brianna Nicholas is well aware that requires some sacrifices.

“I am proud to say that I am going to be attending West Point, and that I will be serving my country after I graduate,” Nicholas told TopDrawerSoccer.com. “My college experience will be far different than the normal college athlete. I will be studying, playing soccer, while also learning how to be the best soldier and leader I can be.”

Through her play in the ECNL with Pleasanton Rage, Nicholas drew interest from a number of colleges, which she called an educational process.

“The college selection process has been a time of tremendous growth and learning for me,” Nicholas said. “Playing with the Pleasanton Rage ECNL team, I have been lucky to play in an environment that exposes me to many different colleges and coaches.”

When talking about her commitment, the phrases that typically dot a commitment story rarely come up, as Nicholas has a grand picture beyond her next five years.

“What West Point has to offer really hits home for me, and I will have the honor to serve my country, make a difference in the world, and be a part of something bigger than myself,” she said. “This opportunity is a life changing one – I get to attend a top-notch university and graduate as an enlisted officer in the United States Army.”

Reaching this point, and making this decision, could only be achieved with a support network and the future Army forward gave credit to hers.

“I am very grateful for the support of my family, coaches and teammates when making this decision, and I would like to thank them for everything they’ve done,” Nicholas said. “I would not be the player and person I am today without their guidance and support.”

Taken from TopDrawerSoccer.com

posted 8/5/13