North Michigan News

The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) has revealed the recipients of the 2023 women's soccer postseason awards, determined by votes from the league's coaches. Three individuals from Northern Michigan University (NMU) were recognized with top honors.

Molly Pistorius was named GLIAC Offensive Player of the Year, Maria Storm received GLIAC Defensive Player of the Year, and Jon Sandoval was awarded GLIAC Coach of the Year. Brooke Pietila also earned a spot on the All-GLIAC first team alongside Pistorius and Storm. Additionally, four other Wildcats secured second-team honors, with one more receiving an honorable mention.

Sophomore forward Molly Pistorius claimed the title of GLIAC Offensive Player of the Year. Following her previous accolade as 2022 GLIAC Freshman of the Year, Pistorius led all conference players in goals and points during the regular season. She started in all 19 matches for NMU this season, scoring 12 goals and providing four assists.

Junior midfielder Maria Storm was honored as GLIAC Defensive Player of the Year. A key player on NMU's back line, Storm contributed significantly to both defense and offense throughout her 1,665 minutes on the field this season.

Jon Sandoval, head coach for Northern Michigan's women's soccer team, was recognized as GLIAC Coach of the Year. In his fourth year at NMU, Sandoval led his team to their first-ever GLIAC regular-season title with a record of 14-1-4.

Northern Michigan's representation on the All-GLIAC teams included Molly Pistorius as a forward and Maria Storm as a defender on the first team. Brooke Pietila joined them as a midfielder. The second team featured Stephanie Trujillo, Isabelle Brusilow, Gwen Kiilunen, and Jillian Thompson. Hannah Kastamo received an honorable mention.

The Wildcats are set to host Ferris State Bulldogs in the upcoming GLIAC post-season tournament match scheduled for Friday, November 10 at 2 p.m.