Lansing Sun

Seven Michigan State University (MSU) women's soccer players have been recognized with All-Big Ten postseason honors, as announced by the conference. This achievement marks a new record for the program, surpassing its previous high of six honorees in 2022.

Graduate midfielder Justina Gaynor has secured a place on the First Team for the third consecutive year. She joins MSU Hall of Famer Laura (Heyboer) Heethius as one of only two Spartans to achieve three or more First Team All-Big Ten Honors. Gaynor has participated in 17 out of 18 matches this season, accumulating 14 points from four goals and six assists.

Junior defender Maggie Illig and graduate forward Meg Hughes have been named Second Team All-Big honorees, both earning their first All-B1G postseason honors. Illig has played all 18 matches this season and logged 1,346 minutes on the field. Hughes leads MSU in scoring with 19 points and seven goals this season.

Sophomore midfielder Bella Najera received Third Team All-Big Ten honors for the second year in a row. Graduate goalkeeper Kaitlyn Parks also joined Najera on the Third Team, marking her first all-conference award. Parks has achieved eight shutouts and ten wins this season.

For the first time since 2006, MSU had multiple players named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team: midfielder Kaleigh McPherson and defender Julia Belli. McPherson scored her first collegiate goal against Purdue recently, while Belli was unanimously selected for her defensive performance.

The Big Ten also acknowledged sportsmanship among student-athletes with awards given to representatives from each institution. Graduate midfielder Gabby Mueller was honored as MSU's recipient for 2024.

MSU is set to face Rutgers in their opening match of the Big Ten Tournament on November 2 at Minnesota's Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium.

The following are additional notable recognitions within the conference: Jane Alukonis from USC was named Coach of the Year; Khyah Harper from Minnesota earned Forward of the Year; Helena Sampaio from USC received Midfielder of the Year; Lilly Reale from UCLA was Defender of the Year; Laurence Gladu from USC took Goalkeeper of the Year; Nicki Fraser from UCLA was Freshman of the Year.