2024 Women's Soccer Honors Released

The Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) has released its season honors for the 2024 women's soccer season. Awards are voted on by each team's head coach following the conclusion of the regular season.

Offensive Player of the Year: Sydney Shenk, Aquinas, F, SR

For the second consecutive year, Aquinas' Sydney Shenk has been chosen as the Offensive Player of the Year. The senior forward from Covington, Wash. was second in the WHAC in goals (14) and second in points (32). Shenk's offensive prowess led the Saints to its fifth-consecutive WHAC regular season title. They finished the regular season atop the league in goals scored with 75.

Midfielder of the Year: Maeva Lichtensteiger, Aquinas, MF, SR

Maeva Lichtensteiger did it all for the Saints to help them to another unbeaten regular season and WHAC title. The senior from Monkton, Ontario, Canada led the conference in goals scored (17), assists (14), points (48) and shots (113).

Defender of the Year: Ingrid Hentemann, Aquinas, D, SR

Ingrid Hentemann repeats as a first team all-conference selection and adds Defensive Player of the Year to her list of accolades in 2024. Hentemann helped the Saints surrender just five goals all season and just three in conference play.  

Newcomer of the Year: Natalia Lima, UNOH, D, SR

Natalia Lima transferred to UNOH from Barry University and made an immediate impact for the Racers, helping them to a 10-1-1 WHAC regular season record and the #2 seed in the conference tournament. Lima scored nine goals and had seven assists in WHAC play, good for 25 points. 

Coach of the Year: James DeCosemo, Aquinas

In his third season at the helm for the Saints, DeCosemo led them to a fifth-consecutive WHAC regular season championship. They currently hold a 50-game unbeaten streak in WHAC regular season play dating back to the 2020 season. The team's 14-0-1 regular season record has seen them ranked as high as #4 in the NAIA throughout the season. 

Champion of Character Coach: Kaela Beerman, Concordia-Ann Arbor

In her first season as the head coach of the Cardinals, Beerman has been selected by her peers as the Champion of Character Coach for 2024. The award honors coaches for their dedication to building character through sport.

All-Conference Teams

In addition to the individual honors, the WHAC named its All-Conference Teams, including an All-Newcomer Team, an All-Academic Team (for sophomores and above in academic standing with a cumulative 3.25 GPA and in attendance at the nominating institution for one full year), and a Champions of Character Team consisting of one member from each team who best represents the five core character values of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership.