Notre Dame Women’s Soccer Dominates all-Atlantic Region Team Selections
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The Notre dame Fighting Irish women’s soccer program has been recognized for its extraordinary talent,with five players earning selections to the 2025 United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division I All-Atlantic Region team,announced Tuesday. This remarkable showing underscores the program’s continued success and commitment to excellence.
Irish standouts Garner First Team Honors
Senior Leah Klenke, alongside sophomores Annabelle Chukwu and Izzy Engle, were all named to the prestigious All-Region First Team. This recognition highlights their individual contributions and pivotal roles in the team’s performance throughout the season. Klenke, a four-year standout, secures her third consecutive All-Region honor and fourth straight All-ACC accolade, solidifying her status as a consistent performer. She also earned recognition on the ACC Championship All-Tournament Team and received CSC Academic all-District honors this season. Prior to the season, Klenke was named Preseason All-ACC and featured on the Top Drawer Soccer Preseason Best XI Teams, as well as the MAC Hermann Trophy Preseason and Midseason Watch Lists.
Chukwu and Engle Lead the Attack
Annabelle Chukwu emerged as a key offensive threat for the Irish, finishing as the second leading scorer with 12 goals and 27 points. Her ability to find the back of the net proved crucial, as she scored six game-winning goals this season, earning her First Team All-ACC honors. chukwu was also recognized on the MAC Hermann trophy Midseason Watch List, the ACC Championship All-Tournament Team, and as a CSC academic All-District honoree, while twice being named ACC Offensive Player of the Week. She ranks amongst the conference’s elite in key offensive categories, placing second in game-winning goals (6), seventh in total goals (12), and tenth in points per game (1.35).
Izzy Engle’s remarkable sophomore season culminated in being named the ACC Offensive Player of the Year and a First Team All-ACC selection. engle made history as the first Notre Dame striker to achieve this honor and only the fifth player in conference history to earn both Freshman of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year in consecutive seasons. Her offensive prowess was undeniable, scoring 44 points across 19 matches – the third-best points per game average (2.32) in the nation. Engle also ranks fifth nationally with 19 goals this season. She was also a two-time ACC Offensive Player of the Week, a member of the ACC Championship All-Tournament Team, a CSC Academic All-District honoree, and appeared on the MAC Hermann Trophy Preseason and Midseason Watch Lists. Through just 41 career matches, Engle has already amassed an impressive 38 goals.
Restovich and Roy Contribute to Irish Success
Sophomore Grace restovich and junior Morgan Roy also received All-Region recognition, earning second Team and Fourth Team honors, respectively. Restovich showcased her playmaking ability, co-leading the Irish with 9 assists this season, and previously led the team with a team-best 11 assists as a freshman. She added two goals and 13 points to the Irish offense this season.Roy enjoyed a breakout season,playing in 20 matches and scoring a career-high 3 goals,while also recording a career-high 9 assists (tied for a team-best) for a career-high 15 points.
Reader question:– What do you think is the key to Notre Dame’s continued success in women’s soccer? Share your thoughts on the team’s strategy, coaching, or player growth. How can they maintain this level of excellence in the future?
The Notre Dame women’s soccer team’s impressive haul of All-Region selections is a testament to the dedication of t
