SEWARD, Neb. – The shutout of a nationally ranked opponent paved the way for Concordia University Women’s Soccer goalkeeper Kalie “Rocket” Ward to be named the GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports Defensive Player of the Week, as announced by the league on Tuesday (Sept. 13). Ward is the first Bulldog keeper to garner the conference weekly defensive award since Lindsey Carley in November 2020. Ward helped Concordia (4-0) to road wins last week over Graceland University (Iowa) and No. 25 Benedictine College (Kan.).
In highlighting the week, Ward made five saves to preserve the clean sheet in the momentous 1-0 win at Benedictine, a program the Bulldogs have previously never beaten. On the week, the Cheyenne, Wyo., native made a combined seven saves. Ward is now 3-0 this season as the team’s keeper since making her 2022 debut in the 1-0 victory at Tabor College (Kan.). Rocket got a late start to preseason training due to her military duties.
Ward emerged as a breakout performer in 2021 when she earned Honorable Mention All-GPAC accolades. She started 17 of 18 games last season and recorded 68 saves and four shutouts. She posted a goals against average of 1.11 and a save percentage of .782.
Head Coach Thomas Goines squad will return to action today (Sept. 13) to host Bethany College at 5:30 p.m. CT. It will be the team’s final regular season nonconference game of 2022.