PULASKI, Tenn. — University of Tennessee Southern freshman goalkeeper Sam De Gier has been named the Southern States Athletic Conference Women's Soccer Defensive Player of the Week, the league office announced Monday.

The honor is the first weekly award of De Gier's collegiate career and comes after an impressive debut for the Firehawks in their 2-0 season-opening victory over LSU Alexandria on Sunday morning at Grissom Pitch.

A native of Breukelen, The Netherlands, De Gier anchored the UT Southern defense with a seven-save shutout, helping the Firehawks secure their first win and clean sheet of the 2026 season. She played 88:50 between the posts before making way for McKenzie Raine in the closing moments of the match.

De Gier's performance was highlighted by several key saves that preserved the Firehawks' lead while allowing UT Southern's attack to build a two-goal advantage behind scores from Riho Masuya and Karla Montiel.

The freshman's effort helped UT Southern hold LSU Alexandria scoreless despite 10 shots by the visitors. The Firehawks controlled much of the match, outshooting LSU Alexandria 23-10 and holding a 7-2 advantage in corner kicks.

With the award, De Gier becomes the first Firehawk to earn an SSAC Player of the Week honor during the 2026 season.

UT Southern returns to action Saturday, Aug. 29, when the Firehawks host No. 11 Indiana Wesleyan at Grissom Pitch. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. as the Firehawks look to build on their strong start to the season.

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