Weekly Honors Spotlight Emerging Talents
The Patriot League unveiled its latest batch of weekly awards on August 31, 2026, spotlighting the athletes whose performances have helped shape the early narrative of the conference season. Both Navy and Holy Cross walked away with multiple recognitions, underscoring the competitive balance and depth of talent within the league.
Abigail Cushing of Holy Cross earned Forward of the Week after a commanding display against Marist. She contributed both a goal and an assist in a 2-0 victory that extended the Crusaders' win streak to three games, marking their best start to a season since 2014.
Kayana Adlam from Navy was selected as Midfielder of the Week following a three-point outing in a 2-0 win over Maryland. Her midfield presence proved pivotal in controlling tempo and generating scoring chances for the Midshipmen.
Defender Sofia Scalise also represented Holy Cross with distinction, earning Defender of the Week honors for her assist in the same 2-0 triumph over Marist. Her defensive solidity helped the Crusaders preserve a clean sheet while contributing to the attack that sealed the victory.
Natasha Stramrood of Navy received Goalkeeper of the Week recognition after an impressive performance that included ten saves and a 0.50 goals-against average. Her ability to keep opponents at bay was a cornerstone of the team's defensive resilience.
Rookie sensation Stella Jones added another highlight for Navy by scoring the game-winning goal in the 2-0 victory against Maryland, a moment that earned her Rookie of the Week accolades and signaled a promising start to her collegiate career.
The league's selection process, overseen by head coaches who abstain from voting for their own student-athletes, ensures that honors are based purely on on-field excellence. This framework has helped maintain the credibility of the weekly awards across the conference.
Standings reflect the early-season momentum: Holy Cross improved to 3-1-1, the best start for the program since 2014, while Navy sits at 4-2-1 as of August 31, 2026. Both teams are positioned near the top of the league table, setting the stage for a tightly contested remainder of the schedule.
Honorable mentions were bestowed upon a host of other contributors, including Bella Conti, Sam Ryan, Kate Slott, Adi Botet, Antriana Mila, Catherine Apker, Lily Mazella, Hannah Goetzer, Geneve Pouliot, and Jessica Black from various institutions, acknowledging the breadth of talent across the league.
Beyond the accolades, the Patriot League continues to emphasize the integration of academic excellence with athletic achievement. Member institutions remain committed to admitting and graduating student-athletes who meet rigorous academic standards, reinforcing the conference's broader mission.