Pietila, Kastamo, Patton, Sandoval sweep accolades
GLIAC – The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) has announced the women’s soccer postseason awards for 2024, as voted on by the leagues coaches. Four members of the team earned major awards, with more being selected as all-conference players.
Brooke Pietila earned GLIAC Offensive Player of the Year, Hannah Kastamo was named GLIAC Defensive Player of the Year, Sally Patton was crowned GLIAC Freshman of the Year, and Jon Sandoval was namedback-to-back GLIAC Coach of the Year.
Brooke and Hannah join Justina L’Esperance, Molly Pistorius, and Maria Storm as All-GLIAC First Team selections. Patton earned All-GLIAC Second Team honors, and Angelina Perritano earned All-GLIAC Honorable Mention status.
“We’re thrilled for our players receiving these awards and recognition, but they’d be the first to say that it all begins in daily training, where iron sharpens iron,” says head coach Jon Sandoval. “Every single player pushed each other and every single player laid bricks to make these achievements possible. These honors are a reflection of our team’s success, and every player on this squad should take pride in them.”
GLIAC Offensive Player of the Year
Brooke Pietila was awarded the GLIAC Offensive Player of the Year award after she led the conference in goals (8), assists (6), game-winning goals (3), points (22), shots (49), and was second in shots on goal (24) in 14 conference games played, averaging 1.57 points per game. The Brighton, Michigan native earns her first major individual GLIAC award, has been named to the All-GLIAC First Team for three consecutive seasons, and has recently set NMU program records in career games played (94), career games started (92), career assists (29), single-season assists (9), career multi-assist games (5), is second in career minutes played (7284), and is currently third in career points (73).
“What you see are the statistics, the awards, and the recognitions. However, it’s what you don’t see that has set Brooke apart. Her relentless work ethic, unmatched drive, and grit on the field are what set her apart and make her a constant threat. She pours everything into every play, and this award is a testament to her dedication and commitment to excellence.”
GLIAC Defensive Player of the Year
A mainstay in the Wildcats’ back line, Hannah Kastamo has been awarded GLIAC Defensive Player of the Year. Hannah has started in every game for NMU and has been quality all year long, not only being a key part of the Wildcats’ defense that only allowed six goals against in conference play but she’s also been able to push play forward and contribute on offense. During conference play, Hannah led GLIAC defenders in goals (4), assists (3), and points (11), and was second and seventh among all players in conference game-winning goals (2) and points, respectively. Hannah earns her first major individual GLIAC award and first All-GLIAC First Team recognition after being named an honorable mention the season previous.
“Hannah’s dedication and versatility have been game-changers for us this season. She’s a true team player, stepping into new roles without hesitation and giving 100% in the attack and on defense. Her relentless energy and commitment make her incredibly deserving of this award.”
GLIAC Freshman of the Year
A starter in every conference game for the Wildcats, netminder Sally Patton has earned GLIAC Freshman of the Year honors. A starter in all 24 conference matches, Sally posted exceptional numbers, including the second-best goals against average (.488) and goals against (6) among GLIAC netminders. Playing in over 1100 minutes during conference play, Patton posted four individual shutouts and made 34 saves to help the ‘Cats to its 9-2-3 conference record. Sally earns her first major individual GLIAC award along with being named to the All-GLIAC Second Team.
“Sally’s composure and skill in goal have been incredible, especially for a freshman. She steps up in the biggest moments, making game-changing saves with poise beyond her years. Earning Freshman of the Year is a testament to her talent and fearlessness in high-pressure situations.”
GLIAC Coach of the Year
In his fifth season with the Wildcats, Jon Sandoval has been named back-to-back GLIAC Coach of the Year. Sandoval guided the Wildcats to its second-consecutive GLIAC Regular Season Championship with a 9-2-3 conference record, matching the nine conference wins in a season that his team recorded last year, and posted an 11-3-4 overall record before post-season play. The Wildcats are 40-10-13 in conference play and 60-20-15 overall under Sandoval in his five-year tenure, including an impressive 33-2-8 record at home. This year, Sandovals’ Wildcats have broken NMU records for most goals, assists, and points by any NMU team in a single season, and currently own the fewest goals conceded by an NMU team in a single season.
“This should be a Staff of the Year honor. I’m incredibly thankful for Natalie Stampfly, Bryce Beckley, Haley Viitala, and Vince Rodkey. Our success is a team effort, and I’m lucky to work alongside them. Any coach’s success is built by great players; I’m just an average coach with a phenomenal team and an amazing staff, and when you love the people you work with, great things follow.”
NMU All-GLIAC First Team
- Justina L’Esperance, Forward – Justina was tied to Pietila in assists (6) and shots (47), and second to her teammate in goals (7), points (20), and points per game (1.43) during conference play among all GLIAC athletes.
- “Justina’s journey back to the field has been nothing short of inspiring. She carried a chip on her shoulder from the moment she was sidelined last year, determined to come back stronger. She is a true testament to her strength and unwavering commitment to her team and her love for soccer.”
- Molly Pistorius, Forward -Molly was tied with Pietila and L’Esperance in assists (6), was second in game-winning goals (2), and was third only behind them in goals (5) and points (16) in the conference window
- “Molly’s impact on the field and in the locker room has been phenomenal. As a leader and captain, she’s the strength our team relies on in the toughest moments. Her relentless drive and tireless work rate make her invaluable. To be this consistent for this long is remarkable.”
- Maria Storm, Defender – Maria played the most minutes of any Wildcat during conference play with 1170. A starter in all 14 matches, Storm also dished out three crucial goals in each of the last three regular season games for the Wildcats
- “Maria is one of the rarest players, a true unicorn. She works tirelessly, not because she has to, but because she doesn’t realize just how talented she is. Her humility and continuous drive lift everyone around her. Her ability to manage a back line, and also score big goals in big moments is incredible.”
- Brooke Pietila, Midfield
- Hannah Kastamo, Defender
NMU All-GLIAC Second Team
- Sally Patton, Goalkeeper
All-GLIAC Honorable Mention
- Angelina Perritano – Angelina started in every conference game for the Wildcats, recording 893 minutes played and 21 shots
- “Angelina had a standout season, stepping up in multiple roles and excelling in each one. Her versatility and commitment didn’t go unnoticed, and we’re thrilled to see her hard work recognized”
*Voting for post season awards is based on performance during the 14 conference games
