The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) announced its first weekly player honors for the 2026 women's soccer season, naming Parkside forward Mary Leininger as Offensive Player of the Week and Wayne State defender Reagan Brengman as Defensive Player of the Week.
Leininger burst onto the scene with a spectacular debut, netting three goals in a single week that included two decisive game‑winning strikes. Her early contributions helped Parkside secure two victories and set an aggressive tone for the team.
The forward’s impact was evident in two separate matches. She first doubled the lead against Winona State, contributing four points in a 2‑0 win, and later struck the winning goal in her home debut versus Lewis, sealing a second triumph that underscored her clutch ability.
Brengman, meanwhile, anchored a Wayne State defense that opened the season with two clean sheets. The defender logged the full 90 minutes in both games, limiting opponents to just five shots on goal across 180 minutes of play and preserving a 2‑0 start for her side.
Season Outlook
Their performances come as the GLIAC embarks on its inaugural women's soccer campaign, a milestone that has generated heightened excitement across the conference. The early standouts illustrate the competitive balance and talent that the league expects to showcase throughout the season.
With the opening week setting a high bar, coaches and analysts alike are watching closely to see how the early leaders will influence their teams' trajectories. The recognition also highlights the conference’s growing visibility and the quality of play that recruits and fans can anticipate.