All-WHAC Release
Grand Rapids, Mich. – The Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) announced its annual awards for the 2024 women's soccer season on Friday (Nov. 8). Following an outstanding 14-0-1 regular season, the Aquinas Saints earned nine all-conference honors and swept the Player of the Year awards, claiming all three top spots.
Sydney Shenk was named WHAC Offensive Player of the Year for the second consecutive season, continuing her remarkable form from last year with an impressive 32 points this season. Shenk scored 14 goals, ranking second in the conference, and contributed four assists. The Washington native played in 11 games, totaling 50 shots, with 30 on target. Shenk showcased her scoring with three standout games where she amassed seven points each, recording three goals and an assist in each of those contests. Following her successful season, Shenk secured a spot on the First Team All-Conference list, an honor she has achieved every year during her time at Aquinas.
Maeva Lichtensteiger earned WHAC Midfielder of the Year for the first time in her career after a stellar season, leading the conference in goals, assists, points, and shots. Across 15 games, Lichtensteiger recorded 17 goals and 14 assists, amassing an impressive 48 points and 116 shots. Her season peaked in the final game against Rochester, where she scored two goals and delivered four assists for a remarkable eight-point performance. She also recorded games with six, five, and two four-point contributions. Lichtensteiger has also broken most assists in a single season breaking Ariana Garcia's record set in 2021. Following her outstanding season, Lichtensteiger was named to the First Team All-Conference.
Ingrid Hentemann capped off the WHAC honors by earning WHAC Defensive Player of the Year, along with a spot on the First Team All-Conference for the second consecutive season. A cornerstone of the Saints' defense, Hentemann logged 1,143 minutes over 15 games, starting each one and playing the full 90 minutes in eight appearances. Her consistency and leadership have been essential to the Saints' defensive strength this season. Over 15 games this season, the Saints have only allowed six goals and only saw 42 shots on target. The AQ backline led by Hentemann was so stout that teams averaged fewer than three shots on target against Aquinas over the regular season.
Four other Aquinas standouts found their way onto the First Team All-Conference, Olivia Bowling, Madison Slezinski, Avery Tack, and Kayla Shuk. Each of these players made significant contributions to the Saints' success.
Olivia Bowling earned First Team All-Conference honors for the first time in her career, following a season where she accumulated 20 points across 16 games. Starting in each match and totaling 1,188 minutes, Bowling contributed nine goals and two assists on 24 shots. Her standout performance came in the Saints' first game against Madonna, where she scored three goals on four shots, achieving six points and an impressive .750 shooting percentage.
Madison Slezinski earned a spot on the First Team All-Conference for the first time in her career after an impressive season with 32 points from 11 goals and ten assists. Slezinski started 13 of her 16 games and achieved a season high of six points with a hat trick against Siena Heights. She also added two five-point games, further contributing to the Saints' successful season.
Avery Tack received First Team All-Conference honors for the fourth consecutive season, solidifying her role as a staple player in the Saints' defense throughout her four years at Aquinas. Tack had an exceptional 2023 season, earning WHAC Defensive Player of the Year and Second Team All-American honors. This season, she logged 1,198 minutes over 16 games, playing the full 90 minutes in eight of them. Tack also contributed nine points with four goals and one assist, underscoring her impact on both ends of the field.
Leading the First Team All-Conference honors, Kayla Shuk earned this accolade for the third consecutive season. Shuk has had an outstanding career and season, setting Aquinas records for most games started as a goalkeeper, most wins, and most shutouts. This season, she started all 16 games, playing the full 90 minutes each time, allowing only five goals across the season and achieving nine shutouts.
On the WHAC Second Team All-Conference, Aquinas was represented by Marie-Louise Abild and Bridget Sherman, both recognized for their consistent skill and resilience this season. Abild ranked second in the conference for assists with 13 and contributed eight goals, totaling 45 points. Sherman, a key figure in the Saints' defense, earned this honor for the first time in her career, solidifying her role as a dependable force on the backline.
Abigail Kramer earned a spot on the All-Newcomer Team after an impressive debut season, recording six points with two goals and two assists in her nine appearances.
Additionally, Sandra Segovia was honored as Aquinas's representative on the WHAC Champions of Character Team, reflecting her commitment to the team and sportsmanship. Segovia has started in all 16 games this season and scored five points off one goal and three assists
Head Coach James DeCosemo was honored as WHAC Coach of the Year for the second time, recognizing his leadership and the team's exceptional season.
Aquinas also placed 16 athletes on the WHAC All-Academic Team – one of the best marks in the conference. To qualify, a student-athlete must be a sophomore or above in academic standing with a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or better and in attendance at its institution for one full year. The Saints that received this honor are: Abild, Camille Berko, Bowling, Maeve Comfort, Laia Cunill, Emily Gignac, Jess Graham,Lichtensteiger, Emma Merchant, Lauren Niblett, Brittney Probst, Segovia, Shenk, Sherman, Slezinski, and Kennedy Thelen.
This collection of honors reflects Aquinas College women's soccer program's talent, hard work, and sportsmanship, as the Saints continue to make a strong impact within the WHAC.
Up Next
The Saints will be competing in the semifinals Saturday Nov. 9 at 3:00 p.m. on their home pitch.
