Lycoming News

Penn College's women's soccer team achieved significant recognition in the United East all-conference awards, announced Thursday. Freshman Megan Kurian made history by being named both Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year, marking a first for any player in a United East team sport to receive both honors simultaneously. Kurian was joined on the United East First Team by teammates Cassie Johnson, Makayla Bucks, and Ashley Gordon.

The Wildcats completed their regular season with an unbeaten record of 15-0-4, setting a new program milestone with four players selected for the first team. Kurian ended her inaugural season with impressive statistics: 26 goals, 15 assists, and 67 points—all single-season records for Penn College. She tied for leading scorer and assist provider in the conference while ranking second nationally in NCAA Division III points.

Cassie Johnson also received her first career first-team selection after being named to the second team as a freshman. She finished with 43 points this season, sharing top honors in assists within the program and conference alongside Kurian.

Makayla Bucks and Ashley Gordon contributed significantly to Penn College's defense. The duo played pivotal roles in allowing only nine goals throughout the season, helping secure a total of 13 shutouts.

Other major award winners included Kylie Yap from Penn State Harrisburg as Defensive Player of the Year and Peter Krech from St. Mary's College of Maryland as Coach of the Year.