Grand Rapids, Mich. — Aquinas women's soccer alumni Maeva Lichtensteiger has publicly announced that she will be continuing her academic and athletic careers at North Dakota State next fall (2025-2026).

Lichtensteiger came to Aquinas in 2021 as a medical red shirt and went on to establish herself as an integral part of the Saint's starting 11.

In her three active years, Lichtensteiger played in every single contest that she could have. Playing 67 of 67 games, starting in 50 of them. Giving her an overall starting rate of .746. Her impressive stats don't stop there as she amassed 33 goals and 24 assists, giving her a total of 90 career points. Lichtensteiger amounted a staggering 281 shots, 99 being on goal, totaling a .352 shot on goal percentage. The keynote Canadian earned a staggering 55-5-7 (31-0-3) overall record under the Aquinas banner. While also going to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) National Tournament each active year.

Lichtensteiger continued her standout performance this past season for her senior year (2024), as she led the AQ offense with 17 goals and 15 assists tallying 49 points. Lichtensteiger's achievements were bountiful as she was named part of the 2024 NAIA All-American First Team, and the 2024 United Soccer Coaches All-American List, and was dubbed the 2024 WHAC Midfielder of the Year. While also being named WHAC Offensive Player of the Week, and a Saint of the Week on several occasions.

Lichtensteiger has made her mark on the AQ Athletic Field, the women's soccer program, and its history books. With only three active years on the pitch, Lichtensteiger sits:

• Fourth on the All-Time Scoring front with 90 points (33 goals, 25 assists)
• Third for Total Shots Attempted (281)
• Fourth for Shots Per Game, averaging 4.19 (67 games)

For individual records:

• Second in Season Scoring with 49 points (17 goals, 15 assists)
• Fourth in Points Per Game (minimum 15 games) with 2.45 goals (20 games)
• Tied for third for goals in one season (17 goals, 2024)
• Tied for fourth in Game-Winning Goals (6 goals, 2024)
• First in Season Assists (15 assists, 2024)
• First in Assists Per Game (minimum 15 games) 0.75 Assists (20 games, 2024)
• First in Shots Attempted (134 shots, 17 goals, 2024)
• First in Shots Per Game (minimum 15 games) 6.70 shots (20 games, 2024)
• Tied for first for Games Played, 25 games (2022)
• Tied for second for Most Points in a Single Game, eight points (two goals, four assists) vs. Rochester Christian on October 30th, 2024
• Tied for first for Most Assists in One Game, four assists vs. Rochester Christian on October 30th, 2024

In total, Lichtensteiger's name can be found 19 times in the team record book.

"I'm really excited for Maeva" stated Head Coach James DeCosemo. The impact she had on our program on and off the field can't be overstated. I can't wait to see her thrive at the next level!"

Assistant Coach Jenna Smith mentioned "Maeve is a special player on and off the field and NDSU is unbelievably lucky to add her to their program. We cannot wait to see her grow and succeed at her new school." 

This is what Lichtensteiger had to share about her time at AQ, "Aquinas has brought me nothing but joy and countless opportunities. Over the past 4 years, both on and off the field I've grown into the person I am today through the many challenges and experiences with the AQ women's soccer team. I am truly grateful for all the people that have come into my life because of it and all of those that I've met along the way. Having the opportunity to play for a team that's had so much success through the commitment and passion for the game of soccer has been nothing short of amazing. Through the continuous support from my teammates, coaches, mentors, and professors, my time in maroon and white has only prepared me for what's to come. I'm so thankful for this part of my journey and very excited for this next chapter in my soccer career. To be able to continue to play and compete at a higher level is definitely something that I've been looking forward to, but nothing will compare to AQWS. Forever Up the Saints."

Lichtensteiger played a key role in the rise of the Aquinas College women's soccer program. Her presence will be greatly missed both on and off the field. While the former No.18's time in maroon and white has come to an end, her legacy will continue on in the record books.