Player of the Year: Camille Bassett

        Central Arkansas forward sophomore Camille Bassett was named the Soccer Player of the Year by the Southland Conference for the 2016 regular season. Bassett also received the title of Forward of the Year and First Team All-Conference.

        Bassett led the way this season for the Bears offense. The team left the season undefeated thanks to Bassett and her teammates' effort. Bassett is the leading player in the SLC in goals, goals attempted per game, and shots made (19.36 avg. per game).

        With one of the "most successful" playing ability Central Arkansas had ever seen, it's no shock that Bassett only continued to improve. Last year, Bassett won the honor of being named the 2015 Southland Conference Freshman of the Tear award. The recognition combined with her fierce playing power solidified her spot on the 2016 All-Conference First Team.

        The native Vista, California forward has been a force to be reckoned with all season. Ranked seventh nationally in goals per game, Bassett was constantly known as the opponent to beat. Her skills go beyond a common sophomore and her efforts on easily recognized in a game. Bassett gives her best in every game, regardless of the opponent.

        Bassett certainly cannot take the credit for her season-long performance all by herself, however. Central Arkansas' head coach Jeremy Bishop was name Coach of the Year. This was no surprise due to the Bears' performance throughout the season. For five years, Bishop has led the team with wisdom and guidance not commonly seen in the SLC. 

        From Bassett's skills to Bishop's coaching, the Bears' finished the season with a strong finish. They now also have become part of an elite group. They are one of four teams in SLC history to go undefeated. With this high honor, the pressure is already building up for the team next season.

        Bassett is only a sophomore, so there's plenty of time to break more records and establish herself as one of the SLC's greatest soccer players. The break until the next season will be detrimental to Bassett if she wants to continue her legacy she is already creating. 

Offense Player of the Week: Breanna Moore

Freshman forward Breanna "Breezy" Moore was named the Southland Conference Offense Player of the Week for the week of Oct. 31. This is the first time she has received this honor for the season, but it certainly won’t be her last.

The final week of conference matches brought a new accomplishment for Moore: her first multi-goal game. Moore scored two goals in the match set against Sam Houston and completed a hat trick to solidify the win for SFA. It was her determination and clear strategy she held that named her the Offense Player of the Week. 

Hailing from her hometown of Kingwood, Texas, Moore started off her collegiate debut with a strong entrance. In the season-opener at Arkansas, Moore fought her way to deserve her spot as a starter for the season. Her fierce performance on the field paid off. Appearing in all 19 games of the season, Moore started in 18 of those matches. 

Moore’s skills were vital in ensuring the Ladyjacks won their fifth straight Southland Conference regular season championship. As well, she was a part of one of the most potent offense teams in the SLC. The Ladyjacks finished out the season ranked second in goals scored and shots taken, and third in assists given. As of Oct. 27, she also played a huge part in the team that built the longest conference unbeaten streak in the nation—32 games total. 

While Moore’s contribution to the team has been noticed, her own individual achievements are impressive, too. From Oct. 26-27, Moore scored goals in four consecutive games. That accomplishment is already extraordinary, but adding to the fact that she is only a freshman means she is on track to be one of the best offense players the Ladyjacks and SLC have ever seen. Moore’s performance alongside her teammates resulted in SFA going 4-0-0 during those matches. 

With over 1,000 minutes of game time under her belt in her first season, the Southland Conference is guaranteed to see more of Moore. Three years left at SFA means there is much greater feats ahead for Moore. She has potential unparalleled to most other freshmen in the league, so she is absolutely one to watch. 

Defensive Player of the Week: Brooke Dunnigan

SFA soccer captain Brooke Dunnigan was named Southland Conference Defensive Player of the Week for October 25, 2016. Dunnigan has won this title before in previous seasons, though this was her first time in this season. 

A native of Round Rock, Texas, Dunnigan has played soccer all her life. In high school, she received state wide recognition and was offered a scholarship from SFA. Dunnigan also experienced the opportunity to play with her sister Megan Dunnigan for two seasons, something many players cannot boast. The sisters used their lifelong bond to dominate their opponents, a skill Brooke has carried on since her sister moved to the professional level.  

Dunnigan has led the Ladyjacks soccer team in a phenomenal 2016 season. The team has played with a strong defense each week, and a large part of that credit is due to Dunnigan. Her strong leadership has affected the entire team as well. Her constant communication with her team both on and off the field has been evident in their plays. Not only has the defense become a powerhouse in the Southland Conference, but the offense has also kept up pace with their incredible defense.

Dunnigan is in her last season, but she leaves behind an impressive legacy. She was named the 2015 SLC Student Athlete of the Year, led the Ladyjacks win their fourth and fifth straight Southland Conference regular season championship, and received the Pam Thorsten Award as SFA's most valuable player in 2015, just to name a few accomplishments. Yet her accomplishments only highlight her plays. She plays well each week, regardless of praise or recognition.

As the season begins to draw to a close, Dunnigan prepares for what lies ahead. While there is no definite plans for Dunnigan, there is hope that she does not hang up her cleats just yet. Leaving behind years of blood, sweat and tears won't be easy for Dunnigan. And hopefully, she doesn't leave the soccer world just yet.

Dunnigan has the potential to be a career name in soccer. Her dedication is unparalleled to her opponents and she should be a name that is not forgotten when she leaves Nacogdoches.