Historic Double
The BIG EAST conference unveiled its preseason awards this week, highlighting two standout players who will shape the upcoming campaign.
Til Kauschke, a midfielder from Hamburg, Germany, captured the Midfielder of the Year honor for the first time in conference history and earned a spot on the Preseason All‑BIG EAST team.
Kauschke’s impact on the Pirates has been evident for two seasons, where he has topped the team in assists and contributed a career‑high four goals last year, making him the offensive engine of the side.
His recognition extends beyond the conference, as he was also named to the United Soccer Coaches MAC Hermann Trophy Midfielders to Watch list, underscoring national attention.
Mikkel Lejbowicz, a forward from Farum, Denmark, was similarly honored after a sophomore season that produced seven goals and an assist, a performance that placed him seventh in conference assists and tied for second among returning BIG EAST players.
Lejbowicz’s dual accolades include selections to both the All‑BIG EAST Second Team and the United Soccer Coaches All‑East Region Second Team, reflecting his consistent contributions across 16 games.
The Pirates now share the second‑most Preseason All‑BIG EAST selections in the league, matching Akron and Providence, and this marks their first double‑selection since 2021, a milestone that signals rising expectations.
Coaches and analysts alike anticipate that the duo’s momentum could propel the team deeper into the postseason, as the program looks to build on recent successes.