Great Lakes Wire

Jillian Thompson, goalkeeper for the Northern Michigan University women's soccer team, has been named the GLIAC Defensive Player of the Week. The conference made the announcement following Thompson's performances in recent matches.

Thompson returned to the starting lineup for the first time since September 7, 2024, and recorded five saves in a 1-1 draw against St. Cloud State Huskies. This effort was her second-highest single-game save total in her collegiate career, just two saves short of her personal best. She started again on Sunday against Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs, making three saves to help secure a scoreless draw and achieve her first shutout since November 12, 2023.

Over two matches, Thompson played every minute and currently leads GLIAC goalkeepers in several statistical categories: goals against (1), goals against average (0.500), save percentage (0.889), shutouts (1), and is third in total saves with eight.

"This is well deserved for Jill!" said head coach Erin Egolf. "Not only did she put in two back-to-back good performances in important regional games for us, but this is also a nod to the performances of our back line and full team defending. Individual recognition stems from team performance, and I am pleased with the defensive effort that this group put in throughout our first two matches!"

The Wildcats are scheduled to play at home this weekend against Northwood and Cedarville.