Midfielder Emma Radoncic and goalkeeper Melina Ford of Central Connecticut State’s women’s soccer team were named the Northeast Conference Defensive Player of the Year and Goalkeeper of the Year, respectively.
Prolonging the program’s tradition, both players were also nominated and announced in the All-NEC first team.
Radoncic grew from strength to strength throughout the season, being a crucial part of Central’s strong defensive record, only conceding one goal per game in NEC action. Alongside that, her versatility showed she was an offensive presence, totaling four goals and two assists throughout the season.
“I’ve been a midfielder my whole life,” she said. “So, with the switch-up this season, I was a little bit nervous going into it,” she said.
Radoncic mentioned that she was happy to get the award because it made the transition worth it at the end.
After earning NEC Rookie of the Year honors in 2023, she now becomes the 11th Blue Devil to be named the conference’s Defensive Player of the Year.
“It’s kind of crazy just to see how much it’s changed since my freshman year,” Radoncic said. “But I feel like being a defender, you’re kind of doing the job for the team. So, I feel like it’s kind of just changed my mindset with that.”
Ford’s performances saw her lead the conference, securing five clean sheets in NEC play. Her season was filled with countless Prime Performer moments, alongside being a commanding presence in net with over 70 saves made across the season.
“It’s an honor to get an award like that,” Ford said. “Especially for me, coming off a season-ending injury last year, to be able to play this year and just help my team and be as good as we were this season.”
The Goalkeeper of the Year adds her name as the seventh player to win the award in CCSU’s program.
“I feel like the fact that I played this year, and people still had confidence with me even after not playing for a year really helped me believe in myself,” she said. “They believe in me, and so I should believe in myself, and I need to be the leader that they need.”
The Blue Devils have just come off an unfortunate loss in the NEC Championship final game in New Jersey, losing 2-1 against the Wagner Seahawks. While the loss hurts, they can’t wait to see what’s in store for them next season.
“I feel like it’s one of those things where we kind of just have to learn from it because luckily Melina and I do have that other year,” Radoncic said. “I feel like it’s just more motivation and hope of how much better we can even do next year, and it starts now. I’m just excited for us at this time next year.”
