Metuchen, NJ — The West conference came down to the final week of regular season play to determine who would continue on to the National Championship. Santa Clarita Blue Heat and Calgary Foothills both finished the season with 15 points, but Blue Heat’s impressive goal difference propelled them to victory, clinching the title and earning them the honor of representing the West in the National Championship. Blue Heat were triumphant in a close 3-2 game against Lancaster Inferno in the semifinals. However, their journey met a heartbreaking conclusion as they succumbed to the Michigan Jaguars in a penalty shootout. Consequently, the West Conference awards are dominated by SC Blue Heat taking three out of the four acolades. Jordan Brown emerged as the West Conference’s Goalkeeper of the Year, Olufolasade Adamolekun claimed the Offensive Player of the Year, and Leonardo “Luty” Neveleff received the Coach of the Year. The final honor, Defensive Player of the Year, was secured by Grace Stordy of the Calgary Foothills.

West Conference Goalkeeper of the Year – Jordan Brown (SC Blue Heat)

Jordan Brown was the starting goalkeeper in every SC Blue Heat match this season, conceding just four goals in the regular season while amassing 25 saves. Brown produced many crucial saves that proved pivotal in ensuring her side claimed the West Conference title. Most notably, eight saves against the 2022 National Championship Runners-Up, Calgary Foothills, in a match that earned her the Week 7 Goalkeeper of the Week recognition. Brown led from the back, exuding confidence in every game. Her command of her box and remarkable reaction saves defined her performance. As a result, Jordan Brown is the 2023 West Conference Goalkeeper of the Year.

West Conference Defensive Player of the Year – Grace Stordy (Calgary Foothills)

Grace Stordy demonstrated unparalleled versatility in her role as a defender, earning her a place on the 2023 Team of the Week on three occasions. Her prowess extended to both defensive and attacking aspects, and she was named the Week 3 Defensive Player of the Week. Stordy was a regular feature in the Calgary starting lineup, amassing an impressive 540 minutes throughout the season. She contributed three assists and was a key player in Calgary’s build-up play with her ability to make forward runs, take on players, and put in crosses. At the other end of the pitch, Stordy was a reliable, hard-to-beat defender who was never afraid to put her body on the line to deny a goal. As a result, Grace Stordy is the 2023 West Conference Defensive Player of the Year. 

West Conference Offensive Player of the Year – Olufolasade Adamolekun (SC Blue Heat) 

Olufolasade “Sade” Adamolekun was a key returner for Santa Clarita Blue Heat this season. Adamolekun’s versatility, intelligent movement off the ball, and technical ability on the ball made her a constant threat in the attack. Adamolekun recorded 482 minutes in the regular season contributing five goals and two assists. Beyond her technical skills, her presence, experience, and leadership qualities elevated the teammates around her. In week five, Adamolekun was named Offensive Player of the Week and she featured on the UWS Team of the Week a total of three times in the season. As a result, Olufosade Adamolekun is the 2023 West Conference Offensive Player of the Year.

West Conference Coach of the Year – Leonardo “Luty” Neveleff (SC Blue Heat)

Guiding the Santa Clarita Blue Heat, Leonardo “Luty” Neveleff had a remarkable 2023 season. He steered his team to yet another West Conference Championship title, earning them a coveted spot in the National Championship. Under his guidance, the team displayed class, creativity, and courage, leading them to their second UWS Championship game during his tenure. Neveleff’s background as a former professional player resonated in his coaching style, and his dedication to his players was evident throughout. As a result, Leonardo “Luty” Neveleff is the 2023 West Conference Coach of the Year. 

2023 UWS West Conference First Team

GK – Jordan Brown (Santa Clarita Blue Heat)

D – Grace Stordy – (Calgary Foothills)

D – Gisele Thompson (Santa Clarita Blue Heat)

D – Maggie Zacsko – (Calgary Foothills)

D – Megan Farrell (Los Angeles Soccer Club)

D – Sydney Vermillion (Santa Clarita Blue Heat)

M – Katrina Wetherall (FC Arizona)

M – Olufolasade Adamolekun – (Santa Clarita Blue Heat)

M – Momo Nakao – (Calgary Foothills)

F – Margaret Osmundson – (Los Angeles Soccer Club)

F – Elizabeth Worden – (Santa Clarita Blue Heat)

United Women’s Soccer (UWS) is a national pro-am league founded in December 2015 on the basis of providing equality, opportunity, and respect for the women’s game. UWS has proven to be an innovative league that has paved the way for the further advancement of women’s soccer. Eighty-plus teams based in the United States and Canada comprise two distinct levels of competition: UWS and UWS League Two (UWS2).

With over 38 NWSL draftees & 100 professional contracts to its name, UWS provides high-level competition for college players, aspiring & former professionals, and international stars. The season runs from May until the end of July, culminating in a National Championship.

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