FRISCO, Texas – The Southland Conference release its 2019 all-academic soccer teams, and three Wildcats were named to the first team. ACU, who finished the season as 12-5-2 and 8-2-1 in league play, saw
Christina Arteaga,
Shay Johnson, and
Michelle Mulrooney earned the honors. Senior
Brooke Lenz was named to the second team as well.
Christina Arteaga
Christina Arteaga ranks third in the league in goals with nine (SLC games) and total points (SLC games) with 22, and set a new single-season best with 12 total goals this season. This is the third consecutive year on the first team for Arteaga, the first time that has been done by a Wildcat. The Pflugerville, Texas native added four assists in league games, ranking seventh in the league. Her 61 total shots in the conference games rank second in the conference. Arteaga's 86 shot attempts this season are the second-most in a single campaign in ACU history. She is currently in the most impressive stretch of her career, scoring a goal in seven of her last eight games and eight of her last 10 games. Arteaga continues to be a staple in this program that will play in the conference tournament for the third consecutive season. Arteaga tallied two multi-score games in 2019. Arteaga earned a 3.06 grade point average and is studying management.
Shay Johnson
The heart and soul of the Wildcats will be missed when she graduates.
Shay Johnson is the key to the transition game for ACU, including guiding a defense that ranks third in the league in goals allowed. Johnson also adds an incredible offensive ability to the team, scoring three goals in league play, with two of them being game-winners. Johnson has recorded six goals for the year, and added a pair of helpers as well. She only needed 21 shot attempts to be as efficient as she is. Johnson earns her second consecutive spot on the first team, and is a three-time all-conference selection. Johnson earned a 3.94 grade point average and is studying communication disorders.
Michelle Mulrooney
Senior
Michelle Mulrooney makes her second straight first team, and is a three-time all-league selection. Mulrooney continues to make her statement as one of the best defenders in the conference. Mulrooney guided a defense that allowed just 13 goals in conference games. ACU's defense allowed 13.8 shots per game with just 41% of those shots placed on frame. Mulrooney added five shot attempts as well, placing one on frame. Mulrooney earned a 3.59 grade point average and is studying nursing.
Brooke Lenz
Senior
Brooke Lenz made her second straight all-conference team after being named honorable mention a season ago. Lenz never leaves the field, tallying 1,025 minutes played in conference games. Lenz was key to a defense that allowed just 13 goals in conference games. ACU's defense allowed 13.8 shots per game with just 41% of those shots placed on frame. Lenz added a pair of shot attempts. Brooke earned a 3.91 grade point average and is studying accounting.
To be eligible for all-academic distinction, an athlete must hold a minimum 3.00 cumulative grade point average through the semester prior to the sport's championship, completed at least one full academic year at the nominating school prior to the current season, and participated in at least 50 percent of the team's competitions during the most recently completed season. Student-Athlete of the Year nominees must have hold at least a 3.20 GPA and have completed at least two years of athletic competition at the nominating school, including the current season.
