ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) announced its 2019 postseason women's soccer awards Wednesday afternoon. The University of Northwestern women's soccer team decorated the list of honorees as eight Eagles earned all-conference recognition. Junior defender Taylor Brinkman (Hudson, Wis./Hudson), senior forward Linley Norman (Prior Lake, Minn./Prior Lake) and junior midfielder Anna Welch (Lakeville, Minn./Homeschool) were named 1st Team all-conference award winners. Alongside these three, Northwestern landed two on the UMAC's Second Team, two Honorable Mention and one Individual Sportsmanship honoree.
 
View the UMAC's complete all-conference release HERE.

As a team, the Eagles finished second overall in the regular season standings and fell to the St. Scholastica Saints in the UMAC Tournament Championship game. Collectively, the Eagles scored 54 goals on 456 shots with 257 SOG.

First Team All-Conference
Junior center defender Taylor Brinkman (Hudson, Wis./Hudson) is no newcomer to the UMAC stage. Earning Defensive Player of the Year in 2018 and being named UMAC's defensive player of the week this season, Brinkman is a standout to the Eagles defense. A three year starter for the Eagles, Brinkman has added speed and grit to the defensive line; making many big saves and plays to keep opponents away from her net. Brinkman also has a keen eye for placement of the ball on free kicks for the Eagles. Scoring a goal this year off of a thirty yard free kick and taking many other chances on the net.

Senior forward Linley Norman (Prior Lake, Minn./Prior Lake) is no secret to the Eagles offense as she holds many records for Northwestern and is known in the UMAC as well. This season she sits third in the UMAC for shots, second for assists and fourth for shots on goal. The speedy senior has been a target all four years she has played, scoring countless goals for the Eagles. She boasts being named to one of the UMAC postseason teams each year she has played for Northwestern.

Junior midfielder Anna Welch (Lakeville, Minn./Homeschool) recorded 15 goals on the season and had multiple games of scoring three goals each. Welch has been crucial to not only the offense but defensively as well. This year Welch is top five in the UMAC for shots, shots on goal, goals and points. Welch has been awarded all three years to the UMAC postseason team awards.

Second Team All-Conference
Senior midfielder Emily Daubenmier (Kijabe, KE./Rift Valley Academy) and two year captain for the Eagles scored 6 goals this season. Daubenmier added consistency, energy and strength to the Northwestern lineup. Her hard work and dedication has been noticed as she takes it very seriously.

Junior forward Danielle Roberts (Hastings, Minn./Hastings) has been explosive this season, scoring many game winning goals for the Eagles. Her drive and work ethic are seen by all as she competes and finishes hard each and every time. Roberts scored 10 goals on the season and added 4 assists.

All-Conference Honorable Mention
Senior Ellyn Boland (Marshalltown, Iowa./Marshalltown) has been a jack of all trades for the Eagles during her years on the team. Boland has played almost every position on the field including goalie. Her grit, attitude and hard work are unbelievable as she has stepped up on the defensive end and led the Eagles defense. Boland is a team player, always including everyone around her.

Senior midfielder Emily Currie (Minneapolis, Minn./Homeschool) stepped up this season as she became captain for the Eagles to lead on and off the field. Currie has been a vital piece to the center of the field and brought communication to a whole new level on the pitch. Her strong efforts while injured have been unbelievable as she scored 8 goals on the season, adding 1 assist.

Individual Sportsmanship Award
Sophomore Maia Ellenburg (Winona, Minn./Winona) is a key recipient for this award. Undergoing an injury early in the season, Ellenburg persisted to support and cheer on her lady Eagles. Her determination to get back to the pitch was noticed by all as she was able to compete in the UMAC Championship game in Duluth, MN. Ellenburg has a great attitude and work ethic which has added to her ability to perform at a high level for the Eagles.

With the end of the 2019 fall season, the Eagles look forward to getting better and stronger in the off season for the monumental 2020 season.

For all things women's soccer, fans can visit www.unweagles.com and follow @unwwsoc on Twitter and Instagram.