The Gulf South Conference announced its 2024 women's soccer weekly awards following matches from Sept. 30-Oct. 6.
Offensive Player of the Week
Jayla Gillespie, Jr., F, Alabama Huntsville
Gillespie came up clutch with two goals and eight shots overall in two wins for UAH over the week. In the Chargers’ first match of the week against Valdosta State, the junior knocked in her second goal of the season in the 88th-minute, which would prove to be the game-winner. She didn’t stop there as UAH was able to hold on to a 3-2 victory against Auburn Montgomery in part due to an 84th-minute strike by Gillespie that found the back of the net, her third of the year.
Other nominees: Julieta Limardo, West Florida; Shadia Valenzuela, Montevallo; Alaysia Nye, Lee; Lucia Revuelto, Union
Defensive Player of the Week
Ahnalie Layman, Sr., D, West Florida
Through an unbeaten week, West Florida only gave up, on average, one goal per match in part due to the efforts of Layman. The senior also recorded an assist and seven shots on goal. In a 3-2 win over Spring Hill, Layman provided the assist on the game-winning goal as well as five shots on goal. In a 1-1 draw against Trevecca and a 2-0 win against Lee, Layman continued her active week with a combined five shots, including two on net.
Other nominees: Emily Labus, UAH; Bethany Guinness, Union
Goalkeeper of the Week
Emily Hounsell, Gr., GK, Montevallo
Hounsell was impressive for GSC-leading Montevallo with a fourth clean sheet of the season, only one goal allowed, and eight saves. The graduate had a strong showing in a 5-0 win over Christian Brothers with three saves on eight shots faced, all culminating in a clean sheet. Hounsell then had a five-save effort on 17 shots faced with only one goal allowed against Union.
Other nominees: Maciah Lipsey, West Florida; CeCe Szopa, UAH; Kirsten LaVallee, Union; Dior Wilson, West Alabama; Abby Whitcomb, Lee; Karla Guzman-Ortiz, AUM; Claire Timberlake, Valdosta State
Freshman of the Week
Michella Tortelli, Fr., M, Alabama Huntsville
After a strong offensive week that saw her score two goals on two shots overall, Tortelli earned her second career GSC Freshman of the Week. The freshman opened scoring against Valdosta State in the 38th-minute as UAH secured a 3-2 victory. Her second goal of the week would prove to be the biggest one as she was able to seal a 3-2 win against Auburn Montgomery in the 86th-minute. Tortelli now has three goals on the year, tied for the team lead.
Other nominees: Angelina Mitchell, Delta State; JoHannah Peterson, West Florida; Hailey Blanott, Spring Hill; Lucy Thomas, AUM; Madison Bennett, Montevallo; Ebba Detulleo, Union
2024 GSC WOMEN’S SOCCER WEEKLY AWARD WINNERS
Offensive Player of the Week
Sept. 10: Mya Swinton, F, West Florida
Sept. 17: Eduarda Silva, M/D, Mississippi College
Sept. 24: Isabel Dillehay, F, Montevallo
Oct. 1: Margherita Giubilato, M, Mississippi College
Oct. 8: Jayla Gillespite, F, Alabama Huntsville
Defensive Player of the Week
Sept. 10: Sydney Foy, D, Valdosta State
Sept. 17: Hannah Fromme, D, Spring Hill
Sept. 24: Marica Miljanovic, D, Montevallo
Oct. 1: Lola Martinez, D, Montevallo
Oct. 8: Ahnalie Layman, D, West Florida
Goalkeeper of the Week
Sept. 10: Maciah Lipsey, GK, West Florida
Sept. 17: Carlotta Stark, GK, Spring Hill
Sept. 24: Carlotta Stark, GK, Spring Hill
Oct. 1: Kirsten LaVallee, GK, Union
Oct. 8: Emily Hounsell, GK, Montevallo
Freshman of the Week
Sept. 10: JoHannah Peterson, M/D, West Florida
Sept. 17: Karah Boydstun, F, Mississippi College
Sept. 24: Michella Tortelli, M, Alabama Huntsville
Oct. 1: Katelynn Kott, F, Montevallo
Oct. 8: Michella Tortelli, M, Alabama Huntsville