Jonah Lewis/Men's Soccer | Tennessee Wesleyan University
Jonah Lewis/Men's Soccer | Tennessee Wesleyan University
The men's soccer team was well represented by the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) year-end awards. The league office announced the individual award winners, All-AAC Teams, Champions of Character Team, and All-Academic Team to end the season awards.
Along with being named to the All-AAC First Team, Jonah Lewis (forward) was also named the Offensive Player of the Year, Freshman of the Year, and the Golden Boot Award winner. Joining Lewis on the All-AAC First Team were Wynand Wessels (midfielder), Dave Neijenhuis (defender), and Michael Garrihy (goalkeeper).
Lewis' superb freshman season saw him lead the conference in goals (20) and points (41). The Bridgend, Wales native added an assist this season for the Bulldogs. The freshman had five game-winning goals during the 2022 season. Lewis scored two or more goals in seven games this season, including a hat trick. The forward was named the AAC Men's Soccer Offensive Player of the Week twice this season. The Golden Boot is given to the player who scores the most goals in conference play. Lewis' 17 goals in conference play were four more than the second player in the conference.
Wessels scored seven goals this season, the second most on the team. The midfielder also contributed on a goal with an assist. The Pretoria, South Africa native was a perfect 4-4 on penalty kicks. Wessels finished the season with 15 points, second highest on the team. The sophomore had two game-winning goals.
While anchoring a defense that finished tied for second in fewest goals allowed (20) in the AAC, Neijenhuis aided the offense with four goals and seven assists. The Milingen, Netherlands native finished the season with 15 points, fourth most on the team.
In picking up nine wins in the net, Garrihy had five shutouts on the season. The Lisdoon Varna, Ireland native held a 1.02 goals-against average while finishing the season with 25 saves.
Jan Schmalenberg was named the team's representative to the AAC Champions of Character Team. To be named to the Champions of Character Team, a player must exhibit the NAIA's Five Core Values of Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Sportsmanship, and Servant Leadership.
Casey Beck, Bradley Jenkins, Gabe Katz, Luis Ortiz, and Schmalenberg all earned spots on the AAC All-Academic Team. To be selected to the All-Academic Team, a student-athlete must be in sophomore in academic standing and maintain a 3.25 grade-point average
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