Lions' Double Triumph
The University of North Alabama's women's soccer squad celebrated a landmark week as two of its standout players were honored by the United Athletic Conference.
Junior forward Anna Fugarino captured the Player of the Week award after delivering a two‑goal performance that helped the Lions secure a 2‑0 victory over Tennessee Tech on August 23, 2026. Her perfect shot‑on‑goal rate of 1.000 and an assist in a separate match underscored her offensive impact.
Defender Avery Smith was equally recognized, earning Defender of the Week after anchoring a defense that posted its first shutout of the season and contributed two assists while clearing ten shots across two games.
Historic Context
This marks the first occasion since 2022 that the program has received two conference weekly awards in the same week, and it is the inaugural dual award for any North Alabama athletic program within the UAC. The achievement builds on a legacy of conference recognition that includes 15 awards across nine different players over eight seasons in the ASUN.
Head coach Chris Walker praised the duo, highlighting their leadership, energy, and the way they elevate teammates. He noted that the pair joins alumni such as Alice Bussey and Payton Yates, who each amassed three weekly honors during the program's ASUN era.
Looking ahead, the Lions are set to host Southeast Missouri on August 30 at 1 p.m. at Cox Creek Sports Complex, aiming to carry the momentum from their recent successes into the next contest.