AUBURN, Ala. — Helping anchor an Auburn defense that held No. 13 Tennessee to just one shot on goal in a 1-0 Tiger victory, Auburn midfielder Gracie Brown has been named SEC Defensive Player of the Week, the conference office announced Monday.
For Brown and the rest of the Tigers, it marked their first top-15 victory since defeating No. 6 Arkansas during the 2023 season and the first ranked victory for second-year head coach James Armstrong at Auburn.
Auburn struck first in the 25th minute when Brown intercepted a pass in the middle of the field and immediately sparked the attack. Brown played a first-time ball over the top that forward Dylan Driver ran onto and fired to the far post for the game-winning goal. The assist marked Brown’s first of the season, but her impact extended well beyond the offensive end.
Brown has helped anchor an Auburn defense that has allowed just three goals through 12 matches, leading the SEC and ranking tied for second nationally. The three goals allowed are also the fewest in program history through 12 matches.
The victory over Tennessee marked Auburn’s ninth shutout of the season and third in five SEC matches. Even more impressively, the Tigers have yet to allow a second-half goal this season, highlighting the consistency of a defensive unit Brown has helped anchor.
The weekly honor is the first of Brown’s career and the first Defensive Player of the Week nod for Auburn since Maddie Prohaska during the 2024 season.
Auburn’s 2026 SEC Players of the Week Honors
Oct. 5 – Gracie Brown, Defensive Player of the Week
Aug. 17 – Chloe Taylor, Freshman of the Week
Brown and the Tigers return to competition Friday, Oct. 9, as they travel to Norman, Oklahoma for a match with the No. 21 Sooners at 7 p.m. CT.
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Brown named SEC Defensive Player of the Week
