Bison athletics continue to rack up pre-season awards

With collegiate sports starting back up, the preseason accolades are coming in. The Bisons received many honors on different levels across all sports. Whether it’s an award or watchlist, Lipscomb has strong representation.

Cross Country

The Lipscomb women’s cross country team was selected to finish first and the men were selected to finish second in the ASUN Preseason Coaches Poll. Junior Lydia Miller was awarded the ASUN Conference Preseason Runner of the Year.

Men’s Soccer

Lipscomb men’s soccer was voted to finish first in the ASUN Preseason Coaches Poll. The Bisons were also awarded many ASUN honors. Graduate student Hayes Wood received the highest honor of being voted ASUN Preseason Player of the Year. Alongside Wood, sophomore Nick Dang took home the ASUN Preseason Defensive Player of the Year. Seniors Tyrese Spicer and Luca Naumann, along with sophomore Malachi Jones, were put on the Preseason All-ASUN Team.

Two players have also been named to watchlists outside of the ASUN. Hayes Wood and Tyrese Spicer were listed on the United Soccer Coaches Players to Watch list. Spicer was also added to the Mac Hermann Trophy watch list.

Women’s Soccer

Lipscomb women’s soccer secured the top spot in the ASUN as they were selected to finish first in the ASUN Preseason Coaches Poll. The Bisons stole the show as far as the ASUN honors go. Graduate student Kelli Beiler was chosen as the Unanimous ASUN Preseason Player of the Year. Redshirt seniors Shelby Craft and Logan McFadden were not forgotten about either. Craft was named ASUN Preseason Midfielder of the Year and McFadden claimed the title of ASUN Preseason Defensive Player of the Year. Junior Alivia Carapazza made the Preseason All-ASUN Team.

Outside of the ASUN, the Bisons received more attention. Logan McFadden earned the recognition of United Soccer Coaches 2023 NCAA Division 1 Defender to Watch. Shelby Craft found herself in the same realm as she was named on the United Soccer Coaches 2023 NCAA Division 1 Midfielders to Watch. Kelli Beiler was also on the list of United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division 1 Forward to Watch.

Craft was also listed 36th on TopDrawerSoccer’s 2023 Preseason Top-100 Female College Players.

Volleyball

The Lipscomb volleyball team was selected to finish second in the ASUN Preseason Coaches poll. Sophomore Sophia Hudepohl was named the ASUN Preseason Setter of the Year. Seniors Caroline Stogner and Meg Mersman were placed on the Preseason All-ASUN Team.