CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - The American Rivers Conference announced the 2026 A-R-C women's soccer All-Conference honors Friday morning. Seven Spartans earned postseason honors this year, including Rylie Mensik, who earned the A-R-C Rookie of the Year award.
Mensik (Algonquin, Ill. / Dundee-Crown ) was named A-R-C Rookie of the Year after an incredible debut campaign with UD. Mensik was fifth in the conference in shots (22), shots on goal (12, scored the 6th most goals (3) in the conference, and had one assist. It is the second consecutive year a UD women's soccer player has earned the Rookie of the Year award.
Ava Hortillosa (Wauconda, Ill. / Wauconda) scored once in conference and was top three in shots and shots on goal. She led the conference in shots (24) and was third in shots on goal (13). This is Hortillosa's second all-conference honor.
Sarah Thompson (Normal, Ill. / Normal Community) scored two goals in conference, including the game-winner over Wartburg. Thompson also played a big role in helping the Spartans earn shutouts in four of the seven conference games. This is Thompson's second all-conference honor.
Samantha Jurgens (Plainfield, Ill. / Plainfield North) picked up four shutouts and five wins this season in goal, tied for most shutouts in the conference. Jurgens was second in the A-R-C in goals-allowed average (.77) and third in save percentage (.800). This is Jurgens first all-conference award.
Claire Husnick (Schaumburg, Ill. / James B. Conant) was fourth in conference assists (4) this season while playing a huge role in the Spartans' defense that shut out four conference opponents and averaged less than a goal conceded through seven matches. This is Husnick's second postseason award.
Bree Swenson (Shellsburg, Iowa / Vinton-Shellsburg) scored one goal in conference play, a crucial game-winner over Simpson that helped the Spartans finish second in the conference standings. This is Swenson's first postseason award.
Chloe Westerfeld (Saint Charles, Mo. / Saint Charles) scored three goals, tying for 6th most in conference play. Westerfeld helped anchor a strong defense in her first season with UD. This is Westerfeld's first postseason award.
