Offensive Player of the Week
Simone Sharpless, Western Michigan, Midfielder
Freshman, Pittsburgh, Pa. (North Catholic)
In the Broncos’ lone game of the week, Simone played an integral role in a 3-0 victory over Toledo. She scored the first goal of her collegiate career early in the second half before setting up a teammate for the first goal of her collegiate career just minutes later. Simone finished the week with three points on one goal and one assist.
Defensive Player of the Week
Christie Fransen, Eastern Michigan, Defender
Redshirt Junior, Wooster, Ohio (Wooster)
Christie Fransen scored a second-half goal and helped Eastern Michigan secure its fourth consecutive clean sheet, its longest streak since 1999, in a 2-0 victory at Buffalo on Sept. 27. Fransen also played a key role in the Eagles’ game-winning goal, sending a deep cross into the box that was deflected to a teammate’s feet. In addition to her goal and key cross, Fransen anchored the Eastern Michigan backline, limiting Buffalo to six shots while helping the Eagles fend off four corner kicks. Eastern Michigan recorded its fifth consecutive road shutout, extending its program-record streak. The Eagles have posted six shutouts through nine matches and have conceded just three goals this season. Fransen leads the team with four goals in 2026.
Goalkeeper of the Week
Ella Holland, Eastern Michigan, Goalkeeper
Redshirt Senior, Dunwoody, Ga. (Dunwoody)
Ella Holland and Eastern Michigan secured their fourth consecutive clean sheet, the Eagles’ longest streak since 1999, in a 2-0 victory at Buffalo on Sept. 27. Holland made four saves, including a spectacular leaping save in the first half, and helped fend off four Buffalo corner kicks. Eastern Michigan recorded its fifth consecutive road shutout, extending its program-record streak. The Eagles have posted six shutouts through nine matches and have conceded just three goals this season. Holland’s 0.33 goals-against average leads the MAC and is on pace to break Eastern Michigan’s single-season record.
2026 MAC Women's Soccer Players of the Week
Week 1 (August 18): Meaghan Cochrane, Ohio (Offensive); Eva Blatz, Buffalo (Defensive); Lexie Thompson, Buffalo (Goalkeeper)
Week 2 (August 25): Ella Zoerhoof, Toledo (Offensive); Taylor Green, Bowling Green (Defensive); Payton O’Malley, Bowling Green (Goalkeeper)
Week 3 (September 1): Monica Curry, UMass (Offensive); Reese Carpenter, Eastern Michigan (Defensive); Ella Holland, Eastern Michigan (Goalkeeper)
Week 4 (September 8): Monica Curry, UMass (Offensive); Coltie Carson, Miami (Co-Defensive); Emme Butera, Bowling Green (Co-Defensive); Payton O’Malley, Bowling Green (Co-Goalkeeper); Leah Shaffer, Kent State (Co-Goalkeeper)
Week 5 (September 15): Caroline Dickson, UMass (Offensive); Libby Fisher, UMass (Defensive); Leah Nisenfield, UMass (Goalkeeper)
Week 6 (September 22): Rachel Wenzel, Akron (Offensive); Christie Fransen, Eastern Michigan (Defensive); Paige Dornheggen, Toledo (Goalkeeper)
Week 7 (September 29): Simone Sharpless, Western Michigan (Offensive); Christie Fransen, Eastern Michigan (Defensive); Ella Holland, Eastern Michigan (Goalkeeper)
