April 21, 2018
AUBURN, Ala. - Coming off its fourth straight NCAA Tournament appearance, the Auburn soccer program celebrated its achievements last fall at its annual team banquet.
Head coach Karen Hoppa and company handed out plenty of hardware following the team's program-record fourth consecutive win in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament.
"We had a great night celebrating our fourth straight NCAA appearance and record-setting senior class," Hoppa said. "These seniors were a major part of the two most successful seasons in program history and are the first class to win a NCAA Tournament match in each of their four years at Auburn. We are forever grateful for their contributions to our program."
Kristen Dodson was named Most Valuable Offensive Player for the second straight season, while Caroline Bado earned Most Valuable Defensive Player honors.
Dodson picked up SEC First-Team All-Conference honors in back-to-back season and was a United Soccer Coaches All-Southeast Region honoree. She completed her Auburn career ranked fourth in assists (28), points (86) and game-winning goals (10) and fifth in goals (29). After leading the team in goals (eight) and points (20) for the second straight season, Dodson also earned the Golden Boot Award.
In her first and only season on The Plains, Bado made an immediate impact on a defensive unit that turned in eight shutouts, including a program-record-matching five in SEC play. Bado joined Dodson as a SEC First Team All-Conference and United Soccer Coaches All-Southeast Region selection. She also earned the team's Iron Woman Award after playing in every minute of every match throughout the season.
Freshman Alyssa Malonson, who tied with Bri Folds for the team lead with six assists, was named Rookie of the Year. She played and started in every match last season and was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team.
Goalkeeper Sarah Le Beau, who served as one of two team captains throughout the season, earned the Golden Glove Award after recording 79 saves and leading the team to the aforementioned eight shutouts, including five in conference play. Fellow team captain Courtney Schell was named the Barbara Camp Unsung Hero, given to the player who was crucial to the performance of the team and went under the radar.
Jaelyn Gadson was named Most Improved Player after earning starts in the final eight matches of the season and finishing her freshman campaign with a pair of goals to go along with an assist.
Ashton Brock was the recipient of the Coaches' Award, which is voted on by the coaching staff and is chosen on a player's attitude and dedication.
Katie Grunder took home the Spirit Award for representation of the Auburn soccer program both on and off the field.
Taylor Troutman served as the team's academic captain and was named CoSIDA Academic All-District. Troutman and the Tigers earned the United Soccer Coaches Team Academic Award for the 13th consecutive season.