After a fall season that saw the women’s soccer team break numerous records and claim their first PAC championship, it is only fitting that junior Ashley Hackman add one final piece to the historic year.
On Dec. 17, the National Soccer Coaches Association of America announced that Hackman earned a spot on the Division III All-American second team, becoming the first women’s soccer All-American from both Eastern and the PAC.
“When we recruited her, we thought she would be our first All-American,” Women’s Soccer Head Coach Dan Mouw said. “I’m definitely pleased but not surprised.”
Playing since the age of five, Hackman has been a part of a variety of teams, from community leagues to premier teams. “In middle school, I had to play for a guys’ team, because there was no girls’ team,” she said.
A natural leader and playmaker, she set both the single season and career records for assists this past fall, adding 21 more to her current total of 44. She also contributed 12 goals to the team’s record-breaking 81 scores for the season.
“There’s not a thing in the game she can’t do,” Mouw said. “But, more importantly, she has the leadership and responsibility to step up.”
Hackman’s heart for her team came through in her decision to not attend the All-American awards banquet on Jan. 19 so that she could join her teammates for a workday in Philadelphia. The team served at Cornerstone Christian Academy to raise funds for a trip to South Africa this May, where the girls will have the opportunity to grow as players and friends.
The unity and relationships that come from playing on a team are Hackman’s favorite aspect of the game. “I always love the people,” she said. “I couldn’t have gotten (the award) without my team.”
Mikaela Brown 
Sophia Hunter 
Jayme Fisher