Ashley Becker, Maddison Ackiss Named To NSCAA All-North Team

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Gustavus Adolphus College women’s soccer All-Conference performers Ashley Becker (Fy., Farmington, Minn.) and Maddison Ackiss (Jr., Fairbanks, Alaska) have added to their postseason accolades as both have been named to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) All-North Team, which was released Wednesday. Becker earned First Team honors as a keeper, while Ackiss earned Third Team honors as a forward. The two All-North Teamers are the first Gustavus women’s soccer players to earn postseason accolades from the NSCAA since Alecia Tromiczak was named All-American in 1997.

In her first season year wearing the Black and Gold, Becker started in all 21 games, recording 11 shutouts and 13 victories, both marks ranking first in the league. She logged nearly 2,000 minutes in goal with a 1.02 goals against average and a .802 save percentage (89 saves). With Becker in goal, the Gusties claimed their first ever MIAC Playoff title and first NCAA playoff appearance since 1998. Her strong play helped guide the Gusties to a 13-7-1 overall record and 8-3 mark in the MIAC one season after going 2-13-3 overall and 1-8-2 in the league.

“Ashley is an exceptional goalkeeper and is very deserving of this recognition,” Head Coach Laura Burnett-Kurie said. “Her natural shot-stopping abilities paired with her commanding presence as one of the leaders in the backline helped her anchor our team to a playoff championship and NCAA appearance from her first game collegiately. On top of her unbelievable skill, Ashley is incredibly coachable and comes everyday to practice eager to learn and develop as a player, which is a true testament to her character and passion for the game.”

Ackiss finished her junior season as Gustavus’s top goal-scorer for the third straight season. Her nine goals this year ranked fourth in the MIAC and her four game-winning goals tied for the most in the league. Ackiss added two assists, leading to a team-high 20 points. She also took the most shots at 58 with a .155 shot percentage, and a .586 shot-on-goal percentage.

“Maddi has been a consistent goal-scorer and top attacking threat for us since her first year with the program,” Burnett-Kurie said. “This past fall was a breakout year for Maddi as she really came into her own as a player. Opponents have to keep track of everywhere she goes on the field as she is such a versatile player — she’s a threat from the outside, can finish inside the box, looks to break down defenders one-on-one and has fantastic vision to find her teammates in possession.

“Both players are very deserved of All-Region honors, as well as the entire program for continuing to grow and develop to reach a stage where talented players such as Maddi and Ashley are able to receive such awards.”

NSCAA Release