BRIDGEWATER, N.J. (November 5, 2024) – The Northeast Conference (NEC) revealed its women's soccer postseason accolades where Howard University saw seven Bison recognized for their outstanding performances during the 2024 season. The announcement came Tuesday afternoon.
Among the recipients, five Bison earned major awards:
Brent Leiba (Coach of the Year);
Rachel Suttle (Defensive Player of the Year);
Samantha James (Midfielder of the Year);
Trinity Knox (Goalkeeper of the Year) and
Gabriella Garcia-Terrell (Rookie of the Year).
Leiba, in his 15
th season at the helm, led HU to its first NEC regular season crown in program history. He guided the Bison to an 8-1-1 league mark (9-4-5) while securing the top spot in the NEC Tournament.
Suttle (Smyrna, Ga.) started all 18 matches for the Bison, leading the backline with eight shutouts, including seven during conference play. Offensively, she recorded three goals in the regular season.
James ranked among the league leaders in several offensive categories while wrapping up the regular season with 13 points, five assists and four goals. The Virginia native is the first Bison in program history to win the prestigious award.
Knox won the league's top goalie honor for the second straight year, posting six shutouts while allowing only six goals across 10 conference matches. The Atlanta product took home NEC Defensive Player of the Week twice.
Garcia-Terrell started all 18 contests, recording 13 points, five goals and three assists. In her rookie campaign, she registered three match-winning goals while leading all NEC freshman in goals and assists.
Suttle, James, Knox and Garcia-Terrell each made the All-NEC First Team.
Other noteworthy Bison included seniors
Melea Earley (La Mirada, Calif.) and
Zoe Moore (Lutz, Fla.) making All-NEC Second Team.
Stonehill junior forward Hannah Anselmo won NEC Offensive Player of the Year.
The top-seeded Bison host No. 4 Stonehill at noon Thursday, November 7, in the NEC Tournament semifinal round.
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at
www.HUBison.com and/or the NEC website at
www.northeastconference.org.
