On Oct. 25, 2018, four members of the Winthrop Women’s Soccer team were awarded positions in the Big South All-Conference Teams during the annual awards.
One of the members, Senior Joanna ‘Jojo’ Taylor, was named a part of the All-Academic team, Juniors Allie Thomas and Dylan Patterson were named on the Big South Second Team and Sophomore Arryana Daniels was named on the First Team. Head coach of the women’s soccer team, Spencer Smith, was proud of the four soccer players’ effort, which led to their honors, as well as to the soccer team’s success this season.
“I am very proud of these girls for the honors they received this year. In their own way, these four players helped lead our team to a successful season. As a senior, JoJo was instrumental in leading the team both on and off the field, and it’s nice to see Dylan, Arry and Allie rewarded for their hard work,” said Smith.
Taylor, a sports management major, explained how the honors from Big South were given out to college soccer players during the current season and how they were selected.
“These are awards that are given out at the end of the season to members of all teams in the Big South. They are just awards given to certain individuals who have had a good season and are recognized for it,” said Taylor.
Thomas, an integrated marketing communication major, was thankful to receive another award from her athletic career based on her efforts this season.
“I feel extremely blessed to be on the second team all-conference this year. Last year I made the First Team All-Conference, so of course I wanted to make that again this year. I fell short. I did not score as much as I had last year. However, it is still an honor to make the Second Team,” said Thomas.
Patterson, a sports management major, was surprised at receiving her honors with her efforts this season with being in a new position.
“In past years I have always been a defender, but this season I was moved into a midfield position,” said Patterson. “It was a tricky transition for me at first, but this award was a confidence boost and I am very grateful.”
The Big South Conference awards are part of the NCAA soccer conference, which picks players from 11 soccer teams in the Big South area to be on the First and Second Teams.
“I could not be more excited for my other teammates who have worked hard and received acknowledgement for it. I think everyone on our team deserves some type of an award, but I know I am a bit bias. It is always amazing to see my teammates get recognized for their hard work,” said Taylor.
Thomas and members of the women’s soccer team were proud of their teammates receiving honors.
“I wouldn’t have gotten this recognition without my teammates and coaches. They push me every day on and off the field to be the best that I can. It’s a team sport, so I really have to give all my thanks to them,” said Thomas.
This season for the Winthrop women’s soccer team started off strong, but the team suffered multiple players facing injuries.
“Although we stepped up this season, we did fall short on some of our goals,” said Patterson. “But I think this has been the best season since I have been here at Winthrop. The team really needed it.”
Taylor noted how the hard work of the women’s soccer team was rewarded throughout the season during practice.
“Hard work in training and practice relates to how it will be in game situations. It is important to work hard at practice so you can improve. When everyone works hard together at practice, it shows during games and allows for a better season because everyone is giving it their all,” said Taylor.
The Winthrop women’s soccer team is planning to learn from this season and work harder in the next Big South Conference.
“I think we have a good group of returning players and a good amount of freshmen. We’re going to build off the success we had this season to our next season,” said Patterson.
