Orlando, Fla. – Four Knights were honored by the American Athletic Conference on Wednesday, as the league announced the 2021 women's soccer awards, voted on by the league's head coaches.
Caroline DeLisle was named the league Goalkeeper of the Year, Darya Rajaee picked up Midfielder of the Year honors; both earned their first selections to the All-Conference First Team as well. Kristen Scott was also named to the All-Conference First Team as Ariel Young earned All-Rookie Team honors.
"It's an honor for Kristen, Darya and Carol to receive this award," said the head coach of the UCF women's soccer team, Tiffany Roberts Sahaydak. "There are great teams and players in our conference, particularly this season. To be identified as one of the best is an enormous honor."
The preseason prediction became the postseason reality as Caroline DeLisle was named Goalkeeper of the Year honors. The Tampa, Fla. native earned seven shutouts on the year, two combined, and made a career-high 78 saves along the way. The redshirt junior's 78 saves are second in the AAC and she carries a .812 save percent on the year, also second in the conference. DeLisle becomes the Knight's fourth AAC Goalkeeper of the Year selection after Connie Organ earned the honor in 2014 and Vera Varis picked up back-to-back selections in 2017 and 2018.
"Caroline has been a leader on and off the field for the team," Head Coach Tiffany Roberts said about her goalkeeper. "She inspires her teammates with her everyday actions. I'm so proud of her growth and I'm so happy she sees her hard work paying off by being recognized by the conference. She has been a standout and our team has benefited from her mentality and consistent performances."
Senior midfielder Darya Rajaee also earned Midfielder of the Year honors, marking her first post-season award. She netted a career-high three goals on the year and tallied three assists. Rajaee's Midfielder of the Year honor is the second for the Knights after Kayla Adamek's 2017 selection.
"I'm so thrilled to see Darya receiving this prestigious recognition. She has been the heart and soul of our team and has worked extremely hard to get to this point in her career," added Roberts Sahdaydak. "I believe this will give her even more confidence to lead the team the rest of the way!"
Earning First Team honors for the first time in her career, Kristen Scott led the UCF offense tallying 23 points on her 10 goals and three assists. Her 10 goals mark a career-high and is tied for the lead The American.
A unanimous selection to the AAC All-Rookie Team, Ariel Young earns her first postseason award. The Ottowa, Canada native started all 16 games in the back line for UCF, including all nine league matches. Young netted two goals in the 2021 campaign, including the game-winner in the 35th minute of the match at East Carolina.
"Ariel has been a consistent force for us in the defense. She has recovered from a long injury and her commitment to getting back to the field has been tremendous. Her All-Rookie honor is a symbol of her strength and resilience," said Tiffany Roberts Sahaydak on the honor for the rookie.
UCF also earned the Team Fair Play Award, which goes to the team with the fewest accumulated fouls, yellow cards and red cards in league action.
Click here to view full list of award winners.
Midfielder of the Year
Darya Rajaee, Sr., UCF
Goalkeeper of the Year
Caroline DeLisle, R-Jr., UCF
All-Conference First Team
Caroline DeLisle, R-Jr., GK, UCF
Darya Rajaee, Sr., M, UCF
Kristen Scott, Sr., F, UCF
All-Rookie Team
Ariel Young, D, UCF* (unanimous)
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