Simon Takes UAC Defensive Player of the Week
9/8/2026 2:00:00 PM | Women's Soccer
Abilene Christian senior Baylie Simon was named the United Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week, the league announced Tuesday afternoon.
This is the Wildcats' second straight UAC Defensive Player of the Week award. Gracie Kelly earned the honor on Aug. 31 with Bella Medrano taking Goalkeeper of the Week.
Against Tulsa last Thursday, Simon's versatility was one full display as she shifted from her usual defensive midfielder position to center midfielder. Simon, who was voted a team captain, has been praised as a good distributor with a calming nature.
She played all 90 minutes of the match, marking the fourth time she's been on the pitch wire-to-wire in 2026. Simon also had two shots against the Golden Hurricane, which head coach Stephen Salas called one of the best teams the Wildcats have played this season.
Simon has started all six of ACU's matches to give her 25 starts for her career.
The Wildcats next square off with Incarnate Word at Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium in San Antonio on Sunday, Sept. 13 at 1 p.m. They'll return to Elmer Gray Stadium on Sept. 20 when they face Texas Southern at 1 p.m.
This is the Wildcats' second straight UAC Defensive Player of the Week award. Gracie Kelly earned the honor on Aug. 31 with Bella Medrano taking Goalkeeper of the Week.
Against Tulsa last Thursday, Simon's versatility was one full display as she shifted from her usual defensive midfielder position to center midfielder. Simon, who was voted a team captain, has been praised as a good distributor with a calming nature.
She played all 90 minutes of the match, marking the fourth time she's been on the pitch wire-to-wire in 2026. Simon also had two shots against the Golden Hurricane, which head coach Stephen Salas called one of the best teams the Wildcats have played this season.
Simon has started all six of ACU's matches to give her 25 starts for her career.
The Wildcats next square off with Incarnate Word at Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium in San Antonio on Sunday, Sept. 13 at 1 p.m. They'll return to Elmer Gray Stadium on Sept. 20 when they face Texas Southern at 1 p.m.
Players Mentioned
Tuesday, September 08
Sunday, September 06
Tuesday, September 01
Monday, August 31
