WOMEN’S SOCCER
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Big Ten CommunicationsPublished: 8/20/2024, Last updated: 8/20/2024
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Nebraska, Michigan State, Ohio State and Minnesota Net First Women’s Soccer Weekly Awards of 2024

Offensive Player of the Week  
Sarah Weber, Nebraska  

Sr. – F – Gretna, Neb. – Major: Computer Science 

  • Netted three goals in Nebraska’s 3-2 win over Colorado State. The hat trick marked the first of her career and 35th in Husker program history 

  • Weber moved to 10th all-tie in Nebraska women’s soccer history with 35 career goals and sits seventh all-time with 261 total shots  

  • In the Huskers’ first two games of the 2024 season, Weber combined for 16 shots and five shots on goal  

  • Last Nebraska Offensive Player of the Week: Eleanor Dale (Oct. 10, 2023) 

 

 

Defensive Player of the Week  
Justina Gaynor, Michigan State 

Gr. – D/MF – Shelby Township, Mich. – Master’s: Sport Coaching, Leadership and Administration 

  • Started and played 77 minutes at center back, helping Michigan State to a season-opening 2-1 victory over No. 15 Notre Dame. Gaynor tallied the game-winning goal in the 46th minute, helping MSU to its first victory over Notre Dame since 1989 and just the third win over the Irish in program history  

  • Helped hold Notre Dame to just five shots on goal  

  • Last Michigan State Defensive Player of the Week: Regan Dalton (Oct. 10, 2023)  

 

 

Goalkeeper of the Week  
Molly Pritchard, Ohio State 

Jr.  – GK – Atlanta, Ga. – Major: Sport Industry  

  • Made a career-high 11 saves to lead Ohio State to a 1-0 shutout victory over No. 24 Duke in the season-opener  

  • Recorded her fifth career shutout and the second over a ranked team 

  • The win was the Buckeyes’ first over a ranked opponent in a season-opener since also beating No. 23 Duke in the first game of the 2018 season  

  • Last Ohio State Goalkeeper of the Week: Devon Kerr (Sept. 25, 2018)  

 

 

Freshman of the Week  
Caroline Birdsell, Minnesota 

F – Wilmette, Ill. – Major: Sport Management 

  • Birdsell scored both the game-tying and game-winning goal in Minnesota’s 2-1 comeback victory over Creighton in the opening week of the 2024 women’s soccer season  

  • Played the most minutes (79) of any forward on Minnesota’s roster vs. the Bluejays 

  • Led the Gophers with the most shots (4) and shots on goal (2) 

  • Last Minnesota Freshman of the Week: Sophia Boman (March 30, 2020)  

 

  

2024 Big Ten Women’s Soccer Players of the Week  
Aug. 20 
O: Sarah Weber, Sr., Nebraska 
D: Justina Gaynor, Gr., Michigan State 
GK: Molly Pritchard, Jr., Ohio State  
F: Caroline Birdsell, Minnesota