MALLORY HARKINS OF SOUTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY was named SCAC Defensive Player-of-the-Year.

Harkins, a first-year defender from Austin, Texas, was charged with playing the crucial and high-stress center defender’s position this season and responded by leading a defensive turnaround that saw the team’s goals allowed number plummet from 39 in 2015 to 17 this season. She also pitched in on the offensive end with two goals this season, including the game-winner in a 2-0 victory over Texas Lutheran on September 7. A hard-worker who is remarkable in the air, Harkins is the first freshman in the history of the award to earn SCAC Defensive Player-of-the-Year honors. She is also the first Southwestern player to receive the conference’s highest defensive award.

Harkins received five votes from the coaches in the Defensive Player-of-the-Year balloting while junior midfielder Julia Kelly of Trinity received the remaining two votes.