First Team
Grace Soenksen
Second Team
Kierstynn Garner
Honorable Mention
Ellie Eason
SEWARD, Neb. – Senior center back Grace Soenksen has accomplished the rare feat of being named a first team all-conference selection for a third time. Soenksen was one of three Bulldogs to represent the Concordia University Women’s Soccer program on the 2022 all-conference team announced on Monday (Nov. 14) by the GPAC. In addition, freshman forward Kierstynn Garner landed on the second team and senior midfielder Ellie Eason was recognized as an honorable mention award winner.
Head Coach Thomas Goines’ squad concluded the 2022 season at 10-6-2 overall (5-5-2 GPAC) while qualifying for the conference tournament.
A Lincoln Lutheran High School alum, Soenksen enjoyed a phenomenal four-year career with the Bulldogs. During her time at Concordia, Soenksen played in 72 games (69 starts) and helped the 2020 squad win the GPAC tournament title and qualify for the national tournament. The three-time first team All-GPAC center back also notched five goals and three assists in her career. The only other three-time first team all-league player in program history was Maria Deeter, another Lincoln Lutheran graduate. Grace was the fifth different Soenksen sibling to play soccer at Concordia.
Garner figures to be a big part of the future for the Bulldogs. As a rookie, the Kearney High School product paced the team with eight goals while adding one assist. Garner started all 18 games and produced five game winning goals, including the difference maker in the 1-0 victory at then 25th-ranked Benedictine College (Kan.). Garner put away two goals apiece in wins over Graceland University (Iowa) and Mount Marty.
Eason, who hails from Kirkland, Wash., was a four-year stalwart similar to Soenksen. Also an NAIA Scholar-Athlete, Eason posted a career high four goals (and one assist) in 2022 as a steadying force in the midfield. Eason’s role was more about winning the ball and maintaining possession than it was about scoring goals. She played in 71 games during her collegiate career and posted five goals and three assists. Like Soenksen, Eason was a starter on the ’20 GPAC postseason championship team.