Grand Rapids, Mich. — As the calendar flips deeper into November, the Aquinas College women's soccer team is proving that the best stories are written in the postseason. The Saints, ranked third in the WHAC tournament, have earned their way into the conference semifinals and will travel to Sylvania, Ohio this Saturday to take on No. 2 Lourdes in a high-stakes clash at noon. The winner will advance to the WHAC Championship on Wednesday, November 12—and if the Saints' recent play and long list of award-winners are any indication, Aquinas plans on staying on the pitch for at least one more match.

Saints Shine in WHAC Awards

Before looking ahead to Lourdes, Aquinas took a moment to celebrate a tremendous haul of postseason honors from the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference. The WHAC announced its 2025 season awards this week, with Aquinas collecting five All-Conference selections, one major award, and a Champion of Character honoree.

Senior forward Kiersen Korienek, sophomore defender Catherine Hoff, and senior goalkeeper Kayla Shuk all earned First Team All-Conference recognition, while senior midfielder Olivia Bowling and junior midfielder Madison Slezinski secured Second Team All-Conference spots. It marked the third straight season that Aquinas placed multiple players on the top WHAC list—a testament to both experience and rising talent within the program.

The spotlight, however, shone brightest on Hoff, who was named WHAC Newcomer of the Year. The Macomb, Michigan native immediately made an impact in her first season in Grand Rapids, starting all 16 matches on the backline. Hoff was instrumental in helping Aquinas limit opponents to just six goals across 11 conference games while adding three goals of her own on the offensive end. She becomes the first Saint to earn the award since Filippa Struxsio in 2019, a fitting honor for a player who has anchored one of the stingiest defenses in the WHAC.

Rounding out the Saints' list of honorees, Tia Rita Daher, sophomore, was named to the WHAC Champions of Character Team, recognized for exemplifying integrity, sportsmanship, and leadership on and off the field.

A Complete Team Effort

Aquinas' 2025 success has been built on balance—dynamic scoring up front, creative playmaking in the midfield, and rock-solid defense in the back. The Saints scored 40 goals in 16 matches while holding opponents to just 12, thanks to a steady mix of veteran leadership and fresh faces stepping into key roles.

Korienek led the charge offensively with 11 goals and 7 assists, notching four game-winners and showing why she remains one of the league's most dangerous midfielders. Slezinski (4 goals, 5 assists) and Bowling (4 goals, 1 penalty conversion) added vital production, while Hoff, Reegyn Cady, and Aubrey Phenicie each contributed clutch goals when the team needed them most. The Saints' attack was one of the most efficient in the WHAC, converting nearly 50 percent of their shots on goal.

Defensively, Aquinas has been anchored by the consistency and composure of Shuk, who posted a 0.75 goals-against average with seven shutouts. The senior netminder ranks among the best in the NAIA and continues to climb the program record books with her 47th career shutout, good for third all-time nationally.

Coach Smith Praises Her Leaders

Head Coach Jenna Smith was full of pride when reflecting on her team's accomplishments and the leadership that has driven the Saints' success.
"I'm so proud of this group," said Smith. "Kiersen has been a sparkplug all season—her work rate, creativity, and leadership are unmatched. Kayla continues to set the standard in goal, giving us confidence every time she steps on the field. And for Catherine to come in as a first-year Saint and make such a massive impact shows her maturity and commitment to excellence. These awards are a reflection of their hard work and the culture this team continues to build."

Focus on the Semifinal

Now, the focus shifts to Saturday's semifinal showdown with Lourdes. The two teams are no strangers—each boasting disciplined defenses and opportunistic offenses. When they met earlier in the regular season, the match was a tightly contested battle defined by midfield pressure and set pieces. Aquinas will look to lean on its experienced core—Korienek, Shuk, and Bowling—while trusting younger players like Hoff and Reegyn Cady to continue making an impact.

Coach Smith and her squad have emphasized composure and execution as they aim for another postseason statement. "We've built something special this year," Smith added. "Our players believe in each other, they trust the process, and they've shown tremendous resilience. Saturday is another opportunity to show who we are as Saints."

Wrapping Up the Regular Season Honors

Aquinas College proudly congratulates all of its WHAC award recipients—Korienek, Shuk, Hoff, Bowling, Slezinski, and Daher—for their outstanding achievements this season. Their individual success mirrors the team's collective drive, grit, and passion that have defined this year's campaign. As the Saints gear up for the WHAC semifinals against Lourdes, the entire AQ community stands behind them with pride and excitement.

Good luck to Coach Smith and the Saints this weekend—and as always, it's a great day to be a Saint.