Sun Devils Shine in Big 12 Honors
The Big 12 Conference announced its weekly awards on Tuesday, recognizing Arizona State’s rising stars in women’s soccer. Goalkeeper Kennedy Zorn earned ‘Goalkeeper of the Week’ after a dominant display against Texas and Buffalo, while midfielder Jenna Whinney captured ‘Freshman of the Week’ for her dynamic contributions off the bench.
Zorn’s performance was highlighted by back‑to‑back four‑save outings in her first regular‑season matches since transferring from Michigan State. The senior posted a clean sheet against Texas, allowing just one goal in over 160 minutes of play and showcasing the defensive stability that has become a hallmark of her game.
Whinney, a defender who made a splash in only 42 minutes against Buffalo, recorded two assists and a goal, contributing to a 5‑0 victory that marked the most points ever credited to an ASU defender under head coach Graham Winkworth. Her four‑point effort also set a new standard for production by a Sun Devil defender in a single match this season.
The double honor marks a historic first for the program: it is the first time in Arizona State history that the team has secured both the Goalkeeper and Freshman awards in the same week. Zorn becomes the fifth Sun Devil ever to receive the goalkeeper accolade in Big 12 play, while Whinney joins a short list of three different players who have earned Freshman of the Week honors in conference history.
Both athletes will look to carry their momentum into the upcoming clash with the LSU Tigers on August 27 at Sun Devil Soccer Stadium, where the team will continue its four‑match home stand. The match promises to test the defensive chemistry forged in recent weeks and could further cement the Sun Devils’ early season narrative.