SEARCY, Ark. – SWOSU Soccer was well represented at the 2025 Great American Conference Women's Soccer Awards Banquet, with 10 Bulldogs earning All-GAC honors. The night was highlighted by freshman Saoirse Hourigan, who was named the league's Newcomer of the Year.

Complete 2025 All-Great American Conference Teams (pdf)

Hourigan, a native of Tottenham, England, made an immediate impact in her first collegiate season, becoming one of the top offensive threats in the conference. She ranked second in the GAC in shots (52), goals (7), and points (18), while also finishing in the top five in assists (4), shots on goal (21), and game-winning goals (3). Her award marks SWOSU's first specialty honor since Elvira Gunnarsson earned Newcomer of the Year in 2023.

Joining Hourigan on the All-GAC First Team was Julie Andersen, a standout defender who secured her second straight First Team selection after earning Second Team honors in 2023.

SWOSU placed four players on the All-GAC Second Team, including forwards Braelee Epp and Ruth Vasquez, along with midfielders Elise LaForge and Ashlyn Stigall, who took home her second consecutive Second Team honor for the Dawgs.

Rounding out the Bulldogs' recognitions were Brekyn Cope (midfield), Philippine De Sancy (defender), Riley Massey (defender), and Emma Young (goalkeeper) were each named All-GAC Honorable Mentions.

SWOSU also placed nine student-athletes on the GAC Academic Honor Roll, an award given to players who maintain at least a 3.5 GPA and have completed one year of full-time college coursework. Honorees included Julie Andersen, Brekyn Cope, Laia Costa, Elise LaForge, Chloe Jackson, Bentlee Lindsey, Mikaela Scholl, Ashlyn Stigall, and Ruth Vasquez.

With all-conference honors complete, the team turns its attention to the semifinals of the GAC Tournament. SWOSU faces 3-seeded Ouachita Baptist Friday afternoon at 2:00 pm with a trip to the conference championship on the line.