Indianapolis, Ind. - Despite ending the season on a sour note, the Golden Grizzlies received some sweet news this week with the release of the #HLWSOC All-League Teams and Awards.

Oakland has a combined six players named to the All-League Teams, All-Freshman Team, and awards. 

"We are extremely proud of all of our student-athletes for representing Oakland so well this year," said Head Coach Juan Pablo Favero. "It is always especially gratifying when any of our players are recognized by other coaches in the league."

See below to see which Oakland student-athletes were named to the end-of-year honors below.

ALL-LEAGUE SECOND TEAM

Oakland had three amazing student-athletes named to the All-League Second Team. These players were huge forces that drove Oakland's offense. The trio combined for 10 total goals this season and 36 shots on goal, applying pressure whenever they stepped on the field.

Macey Wierenga

Wierenga was the model of consistency for Oakland, playing and starting in all 18 games while logging over 1,300 minutes played. She really elevated her game in her final season as a Golden Grizzly, leading the team in goals (5) and points (11). She netted goals in consecutive games against Toledo (9/10/2023) and Purdue Fort Wayne (9/17/2023), and caught fire against Youngstown State (10/08/2023) scoring two goals in that matchup. Wierenga was also showed her leadership off the field, earning #HLWSOC All-Academic Team honors.

Frankie Mudd

Mudd served to be Oakland's firecracker and most electric player. She ranked second on the team in goals (4), while leading in shots (37) and shots on goal (21), which was also good for seventh among all Horizon League players. Mudd was always looking to score, and had the leg strength to make it happen from anywhere on the field, apparent by back-to-back scoring performances against Robert Morris (10/05/2023) and IUPUI (10/12/2023). She also had immense accuracy to pair with her volume of shots taken, shown by her nine shots on goal in a two game span from Oct. 12 to Oct. 15.

Putri Sazali

Sazali rounds out the All-League Second Team for Oakland. Sazali scored her lone goal of the season in the finale against Detroit Mercy (10/25/2023). The Singapore native proved she was Oakland's spark plug, playing in all 18 games and starting in 15. Sazali was instant speed and effort the second she stepped onto the pitch, crating havoc for the opposing team and creating scoring chances for the Golden Grizzlies.

ALL-LEAGUE FRESHMAN TEAM

Oakland is home to two players named to the All-League Freshman team. Both student-athletes who came in and immediately became the back bone of the Golden Grizzlies defense.

Olivia Darnell

While playing in 15 games this season, Darnell started in six of those games. The Novi, MI native provided solid play all season in Oakland's back line. She also showed to be a team player early in her career, tallying two assists on the season which was the most for any Oakland freshman this season.

Julia Zangerl

Zangerl busted on to the scene at Oakland. After being given the keys to the defense, she played and started in the final 15 games for the Golden Grizzlies. She ranked 10th in saves (55) and saves per game (3.67), sixth in goals against average (1.226) and shutouts (5) among Horizon League goalkeepers. She gloved over five saves in four different matches this year, including a career-high eight saves against Western Michigan (09/07/2023) and Green Bay (10/15/2023).

"We are happy for and celebrate with Frankie, Putri, Macey, Olivia, and Julia on their selections. Each of them contributed significantly to the team putting together a competitive season amid a rebuilding year, and they should be proud of themselves and each other," said Favero.

SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD

Allie Tefend

Oakland senior Allie Tefend was honored as a co-winner of the 2023 #HLWSOC Sportsmanship award along with Robert Morris' Kaoru Hayashi.

Tefend is at the literal center of the Oakland defense, playing center back. In a position where physicality is always present, she upholds top of the line class. Tefend finished the season with zero yellow cards and very few fouls. She is the leading example of how to treat opponents, teammates, and officials. Tefend also serves as Oakland's Student-Athlete Advisor Committee team representative, a high honor in the Horizon League.

Tefend finished her career at Oakland as a constant in the lineup, playing the full 90 minutes in 10 straight games to finish off the season. Tefend also scored a goal on the season, a game winner against Cleveland State (9/24/2023).

"I could not think of more deserving recipients than Allie and Karou for the league's first-ever sportsmanship award," said Favero. "Allie plays with integrity and high character.... She is a great ambassador of Oakland University and the Horizon League on and off the field. We also congratulate recipients of our sister institutions for their selections and awards."

Oakland enters the off-season with a bright future, and a ton of amazing student-athletes, dedicated to the program.

FOLLOW OAKLAND 

Student-athletes, parents, and fans can follow women's soccer on social media using @OaklandWSOC on Twitter and Instagram. The Gold Standard Name, Image, and Likeness Marketplace is available to bridge NIL opportunities for student-athletes and can be found here via Opendorse.