OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – Following a season-opening win, Johnson County Community College swept the first Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference Division II Women's Soccer Player of the Week awards. Freshman forward Darby Howard and sophomore goalkeeper Avery Young were each recognized for their outstanding performances in the Cavaliers' 2-1 victory over Southwestern Illinois.
Darby Howard – KJCCC DII Player of the Week
Howard, a standout from Bishop Carroll High School, made an immediate impact in her collegiate debut by assisting on both Cavalier goals. She set up Ella Hamonds for the opener just four minutes into the match, then delivered the game-winning assist to Brecken Hoy in the 71st minute. Howard's two-assist outing is the most by a Johnson County player in a season opener since 2019.
Avery Young – KJCCC DII Goalkeeper of the Week
In her first start at Johnson County, Young was stellar in net, stopping 10 of the 11 shots she faced to preserve the Cavaliers' victory. Her 10 saves tied the program record for most in a season opener, equaling Rachel Konomos' mark set on August 28, 2003.