Old Dominion Women’s Soccer Celebrates Triumphant 2024 Season at Annual Banquet

The Old Dominion University (ODU) Women’s Soccer team celebrated their successful 2024 season with an annual banquet held Saturday evening in the Scholarship Lounge at Ballard Stadium. The event recognized the team’s achievements, including a seventh consecutive season with a winning record and an appearance in the Sun Belt Conference (SBC) Semi-Finals. Individual players were honored for their outstanding contributions on the field and in the classroom.

The 2024 season was marked by significant individual accolades for the ODU Women’s soccer team. Celebrated at the banquet were achievements including an All-American selection,two All-Region honorees,two Sun Belt Player of the Year Awards,and six players named to All-Sun Belt teams. nine players received honors for their academic successes during the Fall 2024 semester,highlighting the team’s commitment to academic excellence.

Individual Accolades and Recognition

The banquet specifically honored players who received special recognition for their performance and dedication throughout the 2024 season. Several key awards were presented, acknowledging excellence in various aspects of the game.

Ashlynn Kulha: Most Valuable Player and Co-Defensive Player of the Year

Ashlynn Kulha was a standout performer for the ODU Women’s soccer team in 2024, earning the title of Most Valuable Player and Co-Defensive Player of the year. She was also named a United Soccer Coaches third Team All-American and to United Soccer Coaches’ All-Southeast Region first Team. Kulha’s dominance was further recognized with the Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year award and a place on the All-Sun Belt Conference First Team. She earned a spot on the VaSID All-State second Team and the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team. Kulha was named Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Week twice in the Fall.

Emily Bredek: Co-Defensive Player of the Year and Sun Belt Goalkeeper of the Year

Emily Bredek shared the title of Co-Defensive Player of the Year with Kulha, solidifying her crucial role in the team’s defensive success. Bredek also earned United Soccer Coaches third Team All-Southeast Region honors and was named the Sun Belt goalkeeper of the Year. Her contributions were further acknowledged with a place on the first Team all-Sun Belt conference. Bredek was also named to the VaSID All-State second Team and made the Fall 2024 Dean’s List. Like Kulha, Bredek was recognized as the Sun belt Defensive Player of the Week once during the Fall season.

Gry Boe Thrysoe: Midfield Player of the Year

Gry Boe Thrysoe was honored as the 2024 ODU Women’s Soccer Midfield Player of the Year. Her contributions to the team’s midfield were further recognized with a place on the Sun Belt all-Tournament Team. thrysoe also earned a spot on the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team.

Rhea Kijowski: Offensive Player of the Year

Rhea kijowski was named the Offensive Player of the Year for the 2024 ODU Women’s Soccer Team. Kijowski’s offensive prowess earned her second team All-Sun Belt conference honors this Fall.

Grace Hillis: Newcomer of the Year

Grace hillis was recognized as ODU Women’s Soccer’s 2024 Newcomer of the Year, celebrating her impactful performance in her first year with the team this Fall.

Additional All-Sun Belt Conference Honors

Andy Balcazar also earned second Team All-Sun Belt Conference honors in the Fall 2024 season. Balcazar was further recognized with a place on the VaSID All-State second Team and the Fall 2024 Dean’s List at ODU.

Sun Belt All-Tournament Team Selections

Katie Lutz earned sun Belt Women’s soccer All-Tournament Team honors in 2024, recognizing her strong performance during the tournament. Lutz was also named to the College sports Communicators academic All-District Team.

Academic All-District Team Honorees

Several other players were recognized for their academic achievements, earning spots on the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team for the Fall 2024 season. These players include Katie McCormick, Riley Mullen, and Sydney Somers.

Dean’s List Recognition

Yuliia khrystiuk was named to the Fall 2024 Dean’s List at ODU, further highlighting the team’s commitment to academic success.

Looking Ahead

The ODU Women’s Soccer team’s 2024 season was a testament to their hard work, dedication, and talent. The annual banquet served as a fitting festivity of their achievements and a source of motivation as they look forward to future seasons. With a strong core of returning players and a commitment to both athletic and academic excellence,the future looks bright for ODU Women’s Soccer.