BUENA VISTA, Va. — The Southern Virginia University women's soccer team capped off another historic season with a conference-best showing in the 2025 USA South All-Conference awards, highlighted by freshman Delin Peterson, who was named USA South Rookie of the Year — the first in program history to earn the honor.

In total, ten Knights were recognized on the USA South All-Conference Team, tying the program record for most honorees in a single season, matching the 2023 mark and further cementing Southern Virginia's rise as one of the top programs in the region.

It was a season to remember for Peterson, the freshman forward from Queen Creek, Arizona, who wasted no time leaving her mark on the program and the conference. Leading the league with 13 goals and 30 total points, Peterson's scoring prowess set multiple records — including tying the USA South single-game record with four goals in a dominant win over William Peace, the most ever by a Knight in a single match.

Her impact earned her three USA South Player and Rookie of the Week awards, a First Team All-Conference selection, and a well-deserved spot in Southern Virginia history as the first Knight to claim Rookie of the Year honors.

Joining Peterson on the First Team were midfielders McKenna Currey and Courtney Montes, along with senior defender Hailey Gadd — a trio that established a core leadership for the Knights throughout the season.

Currey, a freshman from Provo, Utah, became a key piece in the center of the pitch with three goals and two assists, while Montes, a senior from El Paso, Texas, closed out her decorated career with eight goals and six assists, including a hat trick in a conference victory over Salem.

In the back line, Gadd earned her third straight All-Conference nod, anchoring the defense and leading the team in minutes played (1,595) while scoring a career-high five goals. The senior from Kaysville, Utah, was twice named USA South Defender of the Week and set a new program record for career minutes played (6,387).

The Second Team was filled with young talent, underscoring the Knights' bright future.

Freshman Xoie Warner (Riverton, Utah) finished second in the conference with 11 goals, while Estee Schneider (American Fork, Utah) and Ashley Hamblin (Vineyard, Utah) were pivotal in the midfield and back line, combining for four goals and three assists.

Between the posts, freshman goalkeeper Beth Manwill (Layton, Utah) proved to be one of the best in the league, finishing second in the USA South in both goals-against average (1.075) and save percentage (.839) while collecting three shutouts and 52 total saves, including a stunning 14-save performance against nationally ranked Washington and Lee.

Rounding out the honors, Tessa Miller earned All-Conference Honorable Mention, and Emily Rosenbaum represented the Knights on the All-Sportsmanship Team.

With another historic year in the books, the Knights enter the USA South Conference Tournament as the No. 2 seed after finishing 8-1 in conference play and 10-6-1 overall.

Southern Virginia will host #3 Greensboro College in the semifinals on Wednesday, November 5, at 5:00 p.m. at Knight Stadium, looking to make a return trip to the conference championship match for the fourth consecutive season. 

For continued updates on the women's soccer program, follow @knight_wsoc on Instagram and visit knightathletics.com.