Metuchen, NJ — The Midwest Division was dominated by newcomers Cincinnati Sirens who concluded the regular season unbeaten with a 7-0-1 record, and went on to represent the Midwest in the Central Conference playoffs, ultimately succumbing to the now-National Champions, the Michigan Jaguars. Consequently, the Sirens have claimed three out of the four esteemed Midwest accolades. Taylor Spiller was honored as the Midwest Conference Goalkeeper of the Year, Kate Drummond secured the Midwest Division Defensive Player of the Year title, and Head Coach Jacob Morrison received the Midwest Division Coach of the Year award. The battle for second place unfolded between UWS regulars, the Indiana Union, and fellow UWS newcomers, Edgewater Castle. However, the dominating offensive prowess of the Union secured their lead, with forward Jenna Lang earning the Midwest Division Offensive Player of the Year.

Midwest Division Goalkeeper of the Year – Taylor Spiller (Cincinnati Sirens) 

Taylor Spiller was a regular feature in the Cincinnati Sirens’ starting lineup playing a pivotal role in ensuring her side maintained their unbeaten status throughout the regular season. Recording 21 saves and conceding only two goals, Spiller’s contributions were instrumental in establishing her team’s impeccable defensive record heading into the playoffs. In week three of UWS play, Spiller was named Goalkeeper of the Week after maintaining a clean sheet against Indiana Union, making an impressive five saves in their 2-0 win. Spiller’s remarkable agility and explosive power translated into multiple clean sheets during the regular season. As a result, Taylor Spiller is the 2023 Midwest Division Goalkeeper of the Year. 

Midwest Division Defensive Player of the Year – Kate Drummond (Cincinnati Sirens)

Kate Drummond was the anchor of the Cincinnati backline, significantly contributing to her team’s exceptional defensive statistics leading into the playoffs. As the captain of the Sirens, Drummond amassed 540 minutes during the regular season, adding one goal and one assist from the centerback position. Drummond’s ability to disrupt play and distribute the ball to initiate attacks proved invaluable to the Siren’s style of play, contributing to their impressive tally of 37 goals in just seven games. As a result, Kate Drummond is the 2023 Midwest Division Defensive of the Year. 

Midwest Division Offensive Player of the Year – Jenna Lang (Indiana Union)

Jenna Lang finished the season as the leading goal-scorer in the Midwest, netting eight goals at an average of three goals a game, and also contributed two assists. A standout performer for the Indiana Union, Lang’s presence on the UWS Team of the Week twice solidified her reputation for clinical finishing from various ranges. In addition to her goal-scoring abilities that saw her have two Goal of the Week nominations, Lang’s ability on the ball to shift and create space helped her team amass an impressive 33 goals in seven games. As a result, Jenna Lang is the Midwest Division Offensive Player of the Year. 

Midwest Division Coach of the Year – Jacob Morrison (Cincinnati Sirens)  

In his inaugural season with the UWS, Jacob Morrison, the Head Coach of the Cincinnati Sirens, achieved remarkable success. Leading his team to an undefeated regular season and clinching the Midwest Division title, Morrison displayed commendable balance between a sturdy defense that conceded only two goals and a potent attack that secured an astonishing 37 goals. This culminated in a strong performance during the Central Conference playoffs, where the Sirens valiantly competed against the eventual National Champions, the Michigan Jaguars. As a result, Jacob Morrison is the Midwest Division Coach of the Year. 

2023 UWS Midwest Division First Team

GK – Taylor Spiller (Cincinnati Sirens)

D – Kate Drummond (Cincinnati Sirens)

D – Paige Archbold (Indiana Union)

D – Amanda Clark (Edgewater Castle)

M – Amanda Buechel (Edgewater Castle)

M – Brooke Bailey (Indiana Union)

F – Jenna Lang (Indiana Union)

F – Makala Woods (Cincinnati Sirens)

F – Miranda Weslake (Cincinnati Sirens)

F – Emma Antoine (Indiana Union)

F – Amelia White (Indiana Union)

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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