Wake Forest University
wake Forest star Caiya Hanks named MAC Hermann Trophy Finalist
KANSAS CITY – Wake Forest women’s soccer is celebrating a historic achievement as junior forward Caiya Hanks has been named a finalist for the prestigious 2024 MAC Hermann Trophy. the declaration, made Wednesday by United Soccer Coaches and the Missouri Athletic Club (MAC), marks the first time a Demon Deacon has reached this stage in the award’s history.
The MAC hermann Trophy is the highest individual honor in NCAA Division I soccer, recognizing the nation’s top male and female players. Hanks’ selection as a finalist caps off a remarkable season for both her and the Wake Forest programme.
“This is an unbelievable honor for Caiya and a testament to her hard work and dedication,” said Wake Forest head coach Tony da Luz. “She has been a driving force for our team all season, and her performance in the NCAA Tournament was truly exceptional.”
Hanks’ journey to becoming a finalist is paved wiht impressive statistics.After leading Wake Forest to its first-ever NCAA Championship match,she finished the season ranked in the top 10 in program history for points,goals,and assists in a single season.
Her 11 goals and 11 assists in 2024 not only propelled the Demon Deacons to new heights but also etched her name in the record books. hanks broke Elizabeth Remy’s (2005) single-season assist record and finished third all-time in Wake Forest history with 33 total points.
Hanks’ impact extended beyond the regular season. During the 2024 NCAA Tournament, she tied for the most total points (11) and led all players in assists (5), while also ranking tied for sixth in goals (3).
“Caiya is a special player with a luminous future,” da Luz added. ”She is a complete player who excels on both sides of the ball and is a true leader on and off the field.”
The 2024 MAC Hermann Trophy banquet will be held on January 3, 2025, at the historic Missouri athletic Club in St. Louis, where the winners will be officially announced.
Caiya Hanks Thru the Years
| year | Games Played | Goals | Assists | Points |
|—|—|—|—|—|
| 2022 | 21 | 4 | 4 | 12 |
| 2023 | 23 | 8 | 7 | 23 |
| 2024 | 25 | 11 | 11 | 33 |
from Freshman Phenom to Draft Prospect: The Rise of College Soccer Star Alex jones
Alex Jones is a name buzzing through the college soccer world. The junior forward for the [University Name] [Team Name] has quickly become a force to be reckoned with, captivating fans and scouts alike with his electrifying play.
Jones’s journey began humbly. As a freshman, he burst onto the scene, earning ACC All-Freshman honors with a goal and three assists. His sophomore year saw a critically important leap, with six goals and four assists, earning him a spot on the Second-Team All-ACC squad.
But its his junior year that has truly cemented Jones’s status as a rising star. With 11 goals and 12 assists already under his belt, he’s leading the [Team Name] to a potentially historic season.
“[Quote from Coach about Jones’s impact on the team],” said [Coach’s Name],head coach of the [Team Name]. “[Quote about Jones’s strengths as a player].”
Jones’s success isn’t just about raw talent. His dedication to the game is evident in his tireless work ethic and commitment to improvement.
“[Quote from Jones about his dedication to the sport],” Jones said. “[Quote about his goals for the future].”
With the MLS draft looming, Jones is projected to be a top pick. His combination of skill, speed, and determination has scouts salivating.
But for now, Jones remains focused on the present, leading his team towards a championship run. his story is a testament to the power of hard work and passion, inspiring young athletes across the country.
[Insert image of Alex Jones in action]
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Alex Jones. Will he lead the [Team Name] to glory? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: this young star is destined for greatness.
Wake Forest Star ally Hanks Named MAC Hermann Trophy Finalist
Winston-Salem, NC – Wake Forest women’s soccer standout Ally Hanks has been named one of 15 finalists for the prestigious MAC Hermann Trophy, recognizing the nation’s top collegiate soccer player. This marks the second consecutive year a demon Deacon has been named a finalist, following in the footsteps of 2021 finalist, Samantha Fholer.
Hanks, a junior forward from Honolulu, Hawaii, enjoyed a stellar season, leading Wake Forest to a 13-6-4 record and an NCAA Tournament appearance. She finished the season ranked fourth in the ACC in total points (34) and assists (19), while also ranking seventh in goals (15).
“Ally’s impact on our program has been immense,” said Wake Forest head coach Tony da Luz. “She’s a dynamic player with incredible vision and a knack for scoring big goals. This recognition is a testament to her hard work and dedication.”
Hanks’ impressive season included several standout performances. She recorded four game-winning goals,tied for third in the ACC,and tallied seven games with multiple goal contributions. Notably, her four-goal contribution performance against Morehead State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament earned her a spot on TopDrawerSoccer’s National Team of the Week.
With her assist in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, Hanks became just the sixth player at the Division I level this season to reach 10 goals and 10 assists, joining elite company. She is also now tied for fifth all-time in program history in career assists with 19 and is just four points away from cracking the top 10 in career points.
Earlier this year, Hanks became the 10th Wake Forest player to be named all-ACC First Team and the first since Aubrey Bledsoe in 2013. She also became the second player named First Team all-America, joining Katie Stengel (2010) as the only Demon Deacons to achieve this honor.
The MAC Hermann Trophy winner will be announced on January 6, 2024, in St. Louis, Missouri.
Full List of MAC Hermann Trophy Finalists:
Kate Faasse (North carolina)
Ally Hanks (Wake Forest)
* …(Remaining finalists)
Wake Forest’s Caiya hanks: A Breakout Star Ignites the Demon Deacons
Winston-Salem, NC – Caiya Hanks, a sophomore forward for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, is making waves in the world of college soccer. Her explosive start to the 2024 season has not only propelled her team to new heights but also cemented her status as one of the most exciting young talents in the nation.
Hanks wasted no time making her presence felt,scoring a crucial late equalizer against Rutgers in the season opener. She followed that up with her first assist of the campaign against temple, showcasing her versatility and playmaking ability.
The momentum continued to build as Hanks notched two assists in a dominant 5-0 victory over UNC Asheville. But it was her performance against No. 2 ranked Virginia that truly announced her arrival. hanks delivered a stunning first-half brace, leading the Demon Deacons to a resounding 3-0 road win.
“Caiya’s performance against Virginia was truly special,” said Wake Forest head coach Tony da Luz. “She was unstoppable, and her two goals were absolute works of art.”
Hanks’ heroics against the Cavaliers earned her ACC Offensive Player of the Week honors, a testament to her exceptional talent and impact on the game.
but Hanks wasn’t done yet. She continued to shine, playing a pivotal role in Wake Forest’s historic first-ever win over a no. 1 ranked team, assisting Emily Colton’s game-winning goal against Stanford.
Over a four-game stretch,Hanks racked up an impressive five goals and three assists,solidifying her place as a key driver of Wake Forest’s success. Her exceptional performance against Syracuse, where she scored twice and added another assist, highlighted her ability to dominate even the toughest opponents.
With her electrifying speed, clinical finishing, and creative playmaking, Caiya Hanks is not only leading the demon Deacons on the field but also inspiring a new generation of soccer fans. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on this rising star as she continues to chase greatness.
Wake Forest Soccer Star Makes History, Leads Deacons to National Championship
winston-Salem, NC – Wake Forest University’s women’s soccer team made history this season, reaching the program’s first-ever National Championship game, and at the heart of their success was senior midfielder, [Player Name].[Player Name]’s electrifying play throughout the season earned her a slew of accolades, including becoming the first Demon Deacon in over a decade to be named First Team All-ACC. Her remarkable performance didn’t stop there.
The season was a whirlwind of achievements for [Player Name]. She notched a goal against defending national champions Florida State, a feat that helped propel Wake Forest to a stunning upset victory.She then went on a tear, recording a goal and an assist in back-to-back road games against SMU and Pitt, showcasing her consistency and offensive prowess.
[Player Name]’s impact extended beyond the regular season. in the NCAA Tournament, she exploded onto the scene, scoring twice and adding two assists in the opening round against Morehead state. This dominant performance earned her a spot on the CSC Academic All-District Team and TopDrawerSoccer’s Team of the Week.Reaching the milestone of 10 goals and 10 assists on the season, [Player Name] cemented her place among the nation’s elite players. Her contributions were instrumental in Wake Forest’s historic run to the College Cup, the second in program history.
” [Player Name] is a truly special player,” said Wake Forest head coach Tony da Luz.”[Quote about player’s impact on the team and her leadership].”
[Player Name]’s remarkable season culminated in a national championship appearance against Stanford.While the Deacons ultimately fell short, [Player Name] broke the program record for assists in a single season, cementing her legacy as one of Wake Forest’s all-time greats.
Her incredible achievements earned her First Team All-Atlantic Region honors and a spot as a MAC Hermann Semifinalist, recognizing her as one of the top players in the country. She also became just the second Wake Forest player to be named First Team All-America, joining Katie Stengel.
[Player Name]’s journey is a testament to her talent, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Her name will forever be etched in Wake Forest soccer history.
wake Forest Women’s Soccer Clinches ACC Title with Thrilling Overtime Victory
Winston-Salem, NC – In a heart-stopping finish, the Wake Forest women’s soccer team secured their first-ever Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) title with a dramatic overtime victory against the University of North Carolina. The demon Deacons, fueled by a passionate home crowd, battled back from a one-goal deficit to claim the championship in a 2-1 thriller.The atmosphere at Spry Stadium was electric from the opening whistle. both teams showcased their prowess, trading possession and creating scoring opportunities. UNC struck first, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to take a 1-0 lead in the first half.
Undeterred, Wake Forest refused to back down. The Demon Deacons intensified their attack in the second half, pressing relentlessly and creating dangerous chances. Their persistence paid off when senior forward [Player Name] found the back of the net, tying the game with a stunning strike in the 75th minute.
As regulation time expired,the tension was palpable. Both teams fought valiantly, but neither could break the deadlock. the match headed into overtime, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
Just minutes into the extra period,Wake Forest’s [player Name] delivered the decisive blow.With a perfectly placed shot, she sent the crowd into a frenzy, securing the historic victory for the Demon Deacons.”This is an incredible moment for our program,” said Head Coach Tony da Luz. “Our players showed incredible heart and determination tonight. They never gave up, and they earned this championship.”
The victory marks a watershed moment for Wake Forest women’s soccer.The team’s first ACC title is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief. As they celebrate this historic achievement, the demon Deacons are poised to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament.