Hull And Smith Earn Specialty Awards, Five Bulldogs Named First Team All-SoCon

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Samford's Caroline Smith was named the SoCon Defender of the Year and Peyton Hull was named the league's Goalkeeper of the Year, while five total Bulldogs were named All-SoCon when the league released its postseason women's soccer awards Thursday afternoon.

Joining Smith and Hull on the first team All-SoCon team were forward Sam De Luca, midfielder Brinley Murphy and defender Avery Stevens.

Hull leads the Southern Conference in goals against average (0.40), save percentage (.896) and shutouts (10). She has saved 60 shots, while allowing just seven goals this season.

Smith has helped lead a back line that has held opposing teams to just eight goals, 173 shots and 70 shots on goal this season. She also leads the team with eight assists, while netting two goals.

De Luca leads the team with seven goals so far this season. She also has one assist for a team-leading 15 points.

Murphy is second on the team with five goals this season. She has also dished out two assists, giving her a total of 12 points.

Stevens has been another leader of a strong defense for Samford. The Samford defense has held opposing teams to just eight goals on 173 shots and 70 shots on goal, while helping produce a SoCon-best 10 shutouts.

The Bulldogs will next play in the quarterfinals of the Southern Conference Tournament on Sunday, Nov. 8, at 1 p.m. at Shauna Yelton Field against either Western Carolina or The Citadel.

2026 Women's Soccer All-Conference Team
Forward of the Year – Paige Thomas, Jr., Chattanooga
Midfielder of the Year – Bri Pinasco, Sr., Furman
Defender of the Year – Caroline Smith, Sr., Samford
Goalkeeper of the Year – Peyton Hull, R-Jr., Samford
Coach of the Year – Andrew Burr, Furman
Newcomer of the Year – Jasiah Pack, Sr., The Citadel

First Team
F – Norah Roller, Furman
F – Sam De Luca, Samford
F – Quinn Johnson, Chattanooga
F – Paige Thomas, Chattanooga
M – Samantha Grantham, The Citadel
M – Bri Pinasco, Furman
M – Brinley Murphy, Samford
D – Ellie Herrmann, Furman
D – Caroline Smith, Samford
D – Avery Stevens, Samford
GK – Peyton Hull, Samford

Second Team
F – Jasiah Pack, The Citadel
F – Reagan Fitzgerald, ETSU
F – Kayla Childs, Tennessee Tech
M – Natalie Capannelli, ETSU
M – Maddie Massie, Furman
M – Payton Nutzman, Mercer
M – Rina Ogimoto, UNCG
M – Emma Reeves, Chattanooga
D – Ella Parker, ETSU
D – Sarah Sexton, Furman
D – Reese Wilson, Chattanooga
GK – Reese DeJong, Furman

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For the latest news and information on Samford soccer, visit the official website for Samford Athletics at SamfordSports.com. Fans can also follow the Bulldogs on social media at /SamfordSports (Facebook), @SamfordSoccer (Instagram) and @SamfordSoccer (Twitter).

Players Mentioned

Sam De Luca

Peyton Hull

Brinley Murphy

Caroline Smith

Avery Stevens

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