The University of North Carolina's women's soccer program has been thrust into the spotlight as two of its most influential defenders receive conference recognition that underscores their impact on the field.
Weekly Honors
Valentina Amaral, the team's goalkeeper, was named ACC Co‑Goalkeeper of the Week after delivering a series of decisive saves against LSU and South Carolina. Her 15 career shutouts helped lower her goals‑against average to a program‑best 0.69, and she contributed five saves in each of those matches.
Sierra Sythe earned ACC Defensive Player of the Week honors for her commanding presence on the back line. She limited the opposition's shot count, helped the defense rank among the nation's best in 2024, and broke into the record books with nine assists and three goals.
Both players were instrumental in the Demon Deacons' deep postseason run, which included three shutouts and a dramatic penalty shootout that propelled the team to the College Cup final. Their contributions have kept the squad among the top defensive units in the country.
Looking Ahead
With Amaral poised to continue her rise and Sythe adding versatility in attack, the Deacons enter the next chapter of the season with high expectations. They are set to face Iowa in a Thursday night matchup scheduled for 5 p.m., a game that could further cement their status as national contenders.