Kelly Recognized Nationally on Top Drawer Soccer Team of the Week
10/20/2026 5:39:00 PM | Women's Soccer
ABILENE — Abilene Christian soccer's Gracie Kelly earned national recognition with a spot on the Top Drawer Soccer Team of the Week, presented by Soccer Management Company, the organization announced Tuesday. Kelly delivered a pair of strong defensive performances and scored her first career goal in an undefeated week for the Wildcats.
Kelly powered conference-leading ACU to a 4-0 victory over West Georgia on Oct. 16 before reaching a 1-1 draw versus Eastern Kentucky on Oct. 18. The Wildcats stretched their unbeaten streak to nine matches in a row, tied for their longest since their inaugural Division I season in 2013. ACU has lost just two matches this season, with its last defeat coming at Tulsa on Sept. 3.
Kelly hasn't rested for the Wildcats this season, competing in every minute of all 15 matches to total 1,350 minutes of action. The junior defender has captained a lockdown ACU defense allowing a United Athletic Conference-best 0.67 goals per match, good for a top-40 mark nationally.
The Wildcats have posted seven shutouts, including two in conference action. They've allowed more than one goal in a match just twice, including in only one UAC contest.
Kelly gave the Wildcats a 2-0 lead versus the Wolves with a tap in from just outside the goal in the 39th minute. The Corona, Calif. native cashed in on assists by Baylie Simon and Aliyah Anderson. Kelly helped limit West Georgia to just two shots in the match's first half as ACU took a 4-0 advantage into halftime.
Kelly continued her yeoman's work against the Colonels, limiting the visitors to a single goal in the 75th minute. Her lone shot was on target.
ACU returns to the pitch at 1 p.m. Sunday versus Central Arkansas in Conway, Ark. The Wildcats wrap up the regular season with a pair of home matches on Oct. 29 versus Tarleton State and on Nov. 1 against Little Rock. ACU will make its way back to Conway for the UAC Championship on Nov. 8-14.
Kelly powered conference-leading ACU to a 4-0 victory over West Georgia on Oct. 16 before reaching a 1-1 draw versus Eastern Kentucky on Oct. 18. The Wildcats stretched their unbeaten streak to nine matches in a row, tied for their longest since their inaugural Division I season in 2013. ACU has lost just two matches this season, with its last defeat coming at Tulsa on Sept. 3.
Kelly hasn't rested for the Wildcats this season, competing in every minute of all 15 matches to total 1,350 minutes of action. The junior defender has captained a lockdown ACU defense allowing a United Athletic Conference-best 0.67 goals per match, good for a top-40 mark nationally.
The Wildcats have posted seven shutouts, including two in conference action. They've allowed more than one goal in a match just twice, including in only one UAC contest.
Kelly gave the Wildcats a 2-0 lead versus the Wolves with a tap in from just outside the goal in the 39th minute. The Corona, Calif. native cashed in on assists by Baylie Simon and Aliyah Anderson. Kelly helped limit West Georgia to just two shots in the match's first half as ACU took a 4-0 advantage into halftime.
Kelly continued her yeoman's work against the Colonels, limiting the visitors to a single goal in the 75th minute. Her lone shot was on target.
ACU returns to the pitch at 1 p.m. Sunday versus Central Arkansas in Conway, Ark. The Wildcats wrap up the regular season with a pair of home matches on Oct. 29 versus Tarleton State and on Nov. 1 against Little Rock. ACU will make its way back to Conway for the UAC Championship on Nov. 8-14.
Players Mentioned
Tuesday, October 20
Sunday, October 18
Tuesday, October 13
Monday, October 12
