NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Following another dominant season and an ASUN Championship victory, the Lipscomb Women's Soccer team was well-represented in the league's postseason awards, announced Wednesday. Highlighted by Head Coach Kevin O'Brien being named ASUN Coach of the Year, and freshman forward Skylar Cole earning ASUN Freshman of the Year honors, in total, eight Bisons were named to All-Conference teams, while six earned Academic All-ASUN recognition.
The Bisons will now shift focus to the NCAA Tournament, where they will face Mississippi State in the first round on Saturday, November 15, at 5 p.m. CT in Starkville, Mississippi.
Major Awards
O'Brien collected his fifth career ASUN Coach of the Year award after guiding Lipscomb to its second consecutive ASUN Championship and another NCAA Tournament berth. Under his leadership, the Bisons have established themselves as one of the premier mid-major programs in the country.
Cole was named ASUN Freshman of the Year following a breakout debut season that saw her become a key piece in the Bisons' attack, earning unanimous All-Freshman honors and a spot on the All-ASUN Second Team.
All-Conference Selections
Lipscomb's presence was felt across all three All-ASUN teams, totalling almost 25% of the 33 players selected.
Cole was also recognized as a unanimous All-Freshman Team selection.
Academic All-ASUN
In addition to their on-field success, six Bisons earned Academic All-ASUN honors for their achievements in the classroom: Annalise Cannada, Annessa Shively, Hailey Johnson, Jaide-Simone Prejean, Lauren Bennett, and Rebekah Doolittle.
Coach O'Brien's Thoughts:
"I'm so thankful to the ASUN coaches for recognizing our players with these honors," said O'Brien. "We're incredibly proud of the eight who were named All-Conference — they've led with excellence and helped guide our program back to the NCAA Tournament. But as we all know, individual recognition only happens within the context of a great team. Every player in our squad has played a vital role in our success this season, and these awards really reflect the collective effort, unity, and love that define this group.
At the heart of it all, our platform is to glorify God through the game of soccer — and that's what makes me most proud of this team. Their blend of passion, competitiveness, and humble, servant-hearted leadership is what makes this group so special."
Up Next
The Bisons will continue their postseason run with a trip to Starkville, Mississippi, to face Mississippi State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday at 5 p.m. CT.
