Abilene Christian Soccer Earns 10 UAC Postseason Honors Following Undefeated Run

Abilene Christian Soccer Claims 10 United Athletic Conference Honors

Abilene Christian University’s soccer program has secured a dominant presence in the United Athletic Conference (UAC) postseason awards, earning 10 individual accolades following a historic regular season, according to a report from acusports.com. The recognition highlights a campaign defined by defensive stability and offensive breakthroughs, as the Wildcats finished their conference schedule with an undefeated 5-0-5 mark.

The honors are headlined by two standout performers: Addison Briscoe, named the UAC Freshman of the Year, and Gracie Kelly, recognized as the Defensive Player of the Year. These individual achievements mirror the team’s collective success, marking the program’s first undefeated run through conference play since winning the Lone Star Conference title in 2011. The Wildcats currently hold a 12-match unbeaten streak, their longest such run in 15 years.

Individual Records and Defensive Dominance

Addison Briscoe’s arrival has fundamentally altered the Wildcats’ offensive output. The Spring Branch, Texas, forward has started all 18 matches this season and set a new Division I freshman record for the program with nine goals. Her impact was particularly felt during high-pressure conference matchups; she led the UAC with 50 shots and six goals during league play. Notably, two of her nine goals served as game-winners, including a decisive strike in a 1-0 road win against North Alabama on October 8.

While Briscoe provided the scoring punch, Gracie Kelly anchored a defense that proved nearly impossible to breach. The junior captain has been a constant in the lineup, playing every single minute of the season—totaling 1,620 minutes—and starting 51 matches dating back to her freshman year in 2024. Under her leadership, the ACU backline allowed only 12 goals all season, an average of 0.67 per match. The team recorded eight shutouts, including three during conference play, where they surrendered only eight goals in total.

The defensive success was bolstered by goalkeeper Bella Medrano, who earned Second Team All-UAC honors. Medrano’s statistical profile places her among the elite at the mid-major level, ranking third nationally with an .896 save percentage and 12th in the country with 103 saves. Her performance in conference play was equally significant, posting a league-best 60 saves and three shutouts.

A Comprehensive Roster of Accolades

The depth of the Wildcats’ roster is reflected in the breadth of the postseason honors. Beyond the top individual awards, several players earned Second Team All-UAC status or spots on the All-Freshman Team. The following table breaks down the primary postseason distinctions for the 2026 season:

Player	Award/Recognition	Notable Statistic
Bella Medrano	Second Team All-UAC	.896 save percentage (3rd nationally)
Shakira Kafero-Roberts	Second Team All-UAC	Started 10 matches
Charlise Smith	Second Team All-UAC	Logged over 1,500 minutes
Bella Medrano	Second Team All-UAC	103 total saves
Audrey Coppinger	UAC All-Freshman Team	Two goals scored
Sophia Saludares	UAC All-Freshman Team	Three goals/assists in conference play

The program also emphasized academic excellence, with six players—Kelly, Aliyah Anderson, Raegan Hollis, Amelia Miller, Raelin Miller, and Baylie Simon—earning Academic All-UAC honors. To qualify for this distinction, student-athletes must maintain a minimum 3.50 GPA and meet specific residency and participation requirements.

The Path to the UAC Championship

These accolades serve as a precursor to the postseason tournament. As the Red division’s No. 1 seed, Abilene Christian is scheduled to open its campaign in the UAC Championship semifinals this Wednesday at 4 p.m. The match will take place in Conway, Arkansas, at the Bill Stephens Track/Soccer Complex. The Wildcats will face the winner of the matchup between North Alabama and Central Arkansas.

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The stakes for the upcoming tournament are high, as the winner will advance to the Championship match, currently scheduled for Saturday, November 14, at 7 p.m. For a program that has not seen this level of conference-wide recognition since 2019, the momentum from these individual honors provides a significant psychological advantage heading into the knockout rounds.

The defensive consistency displayed by Kelly and Medrano, paired with the clinical finishing of Briscoe, positions the Wildcats as a formidable opponent for any remaining seed in the bracket.

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