Medrano, Kelly Named UAC Goalkeeper, Defensive Player of the Week
8/31/2026 2:22:00 PM | Women's Soccer
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Abilene Christian soccer's Bella Medrano and Gracie Kelly were named the United Athletic Conference Goalkeeper Defensive Player of the Week, respectively, the conference announced Monday. The pair was recognized for its efforts in an undefeated week featuring a draw with Houston and a 3-0 win over East Texas A&M.
Medrano was tabbed the Goalkeeper of the Week for the second time in her career, while Kelly captured her first conference honor. The two Wildcats have powered ACU to a strong defensive start featuring three consecutive shutouts. They've conceded just two goals in five matches, including one on a penalty kick, for the best mark in the UAC.
"It's great to see Bella and Gracie honored with player of the week awards," head coach Stephen Salas said. "We've earned three shutouts in a row and only conceded one goal in five games this season, which shows our grit and leadership defensively. This was our second three-goal performance in August, which shows our ability to score multiple goals in the attack."
Medrano has quickly established herself as one of the top goalkeepers in the UAC after keeping a potent Houston offense at bay. The sophomore tallied eight saves and posted a clean sheet against a squad previously averaging 3.0 goals per game. Medrano followed with 76 minutes and three saves in a shutout of East Texas A&M.
"Bella came up big multiple times in our game against Houston and stayed poised to keep two shutouts over the two games," Salas said. "It's important to know we have someone steady and strong like that in goal who continues to compete and push the level of our program."
Medrano paces the conference with two shutouts, an 0.41 goals-against average and a .923 save percentage. She touts 24 saves, good for 4.8 per match. A Second Team All-WAC selection last season, Medrano owns 133 saves at an .811 clip.
Kelly, a team captain, led the Wildcats' defensive front by playing the entire 90 minutes in each match last week. The junior picked up her first career point with an assist on Shakira Kafero-Roberts' game-winning goal in the 20th minute of Sunday's contest with the Lions. Kelly has been a workhorse for ACU, amassing over 3,600 career minutes in 42 matches.
"Gracie continues to lead our backline and team through each game, especially through her play," Salas said. "Her tenacity and commitment are in full display each game while also leading with selflessness and humility. We will continue to stay focused on our higher purpose and bigger mission moving forward."
ACU hits the road this week to take on Tulsa at 7 p.m. Thursday in Tulsa, Okla.
Medrano was tabbed the Goalkeeper of the Week for the second time in her career, while Kelly captured her first conference honor. The two Wildcats have powered ACU to a strong defensive start featuring three consecutive shutouts. They've conceded just two goals in five matches, including one on a penalty kick, for the best mark in the UAC.
"It's great to see Bella and Gracie honored with player of the week awards," head coach Stephen Salas said. "We've earned three shutouts in a row and only conceded one goal in five games this season, which shows our grit and leadership defensively. This was our second three-goal performance in August, which shows our ability to score multiple goals in the attack."
Medrano has quickly established herself as one of the top goalkeepers in the UAC after keeping a potent Houston offense at bay. The sophomore tallied eight saves and posted a clean sheet against a squad previously averaging 3.0 goals per game. Medrano followed with 76 minutes and three saves in a shutout of East Texas A&M.
"Bella came up big multiple times in our game against Houston and stayed poised to keep two shutouts over the two games," Salas said. "It's important to know we have someone steady and strong like that in goal who continues to compete and push the level of our program."
Medrano paces the conference with two shutouts, an 0.41 goals-against average and a .923 save percentage. She touts 24 saves, good for 4.8 per match. A Second Team All-WAC selection last season, Medrano owns 133 saves at an .811 clip.
Kelly, a team captain, led the Wildcats' defensive front by playing the entire 90 minutes in each match last week. The junior picked up her first career point with an assist on Shakira Kafero-Roberts' game-winning goal in the 20th minute of Sunday's contest with the Lions. Kelly has been a workhorse for ACU, amassing over 3,600 career minutes in 42 matches.
"Gracie continues to lead our backline and team through each game, especially through her play," Salas said. "Her tenacity and commitment are in full display each game while also leading with selflessness and humility. We will continue to stay focused on our higher purpose and bigger mission moving forward."
ACU hits the road this week to take on Tulsa at 7 p.m. Thursday in Tulsa, Okla.
Players Mentioned
Monday, August 31
Monday, August 31
Sunday, August 30
Sunday, August 30
