Contact: Taiah Gallisath-Poklop, Associate Director of Athletics Communication, 630-637-5302

Oct. 30, 2026 – Fresh off claiming the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin regular-season championship, the North Central College women's soccer team garnered a league-leading seven All-CCIW selections, highlighted by a pair of major individual awards as Baylee Burbidge was named Freshman of the Year and Andrew Gamarra earned Coach of the Year honors.

Gamarra was voted the Coach of the Year for the second time in his career after he and his staff led the team to a 14-0-1 overall record and a 7-0-1 conference slate. The program won its third CCIW regular season title and is the top seed heading into the CCIW Tournament. 

Burbidge is just the third Cardinal in program history to be named the CCIW Freshman of the Year. Burbidge, who also earned All-CCIW Second Team honors, played and started in all eight conference games at midfield. She scored three goals, two of which were game-winners, and had an assist in conference play. Burbidge finished the regular season tied for fifth in the conference in goals scored and sixth in points. 

Reese Anderson earns her first All-CCIW nod, being named to the first team after stepping into a big role this season. She started all eight conference games at forward and led the team with 14 points on six goals and two assists. The junior recorded her first career hat trick against North Park and had a game-high two assists against Carthage. In conference action, Anderson ranks second in the league in both goals and points.

Senior Madison DeVriendt picks up the third First Team All-CCIW nod of her career after captaining the Cardinals to another great season. In eight conference starts, DeVriendt finished second on the team in points with 10, on three goals and a team-leading four assists. She notched two game-winners in conference play while leading the league in assists and ranking third in points. 

Lauren Richards claims her first All-CCIW nod, earning First Team recognition after anchoring the Cardinal defense. She started all eight conference games on the backline, helping limit conference opponents to just 10 goals while the Cardinals found the back of the net 23 times in CCIW play. Richards provided a steady presence defensively, using her ability to read the game to disrupt opposing attacks.

Claire Georgees collected the first All-CCIW honor of her career, earning a spot on the second team as a freshman. The midfielder appeared in all eight conference games, making six starts, and recorded three goals and an assist in CCIW play during her first season donning the Red & White. Georgees recorded her second multi-goal performance of the season, and first against a conference opponent, in North Central's matchup against Wheaton, helping the Cardinals secure the regular-season title. She tied for fifth in the conference in goals scored and ranked sixth in points while finishing third on the team in both categories.

Victoria Jaimes also earned the first All-CCIW recognition of her career, landing on the second team. Starting all eight conference games, Jaimes recorded two goals during her junior campaign while providing a consistent offensive threat for the Cardinals. Her speed and ability to create opportunities in the attacking third helped North Central generate scoring chances for another unbeaten conference season.

Kara Waishwell earns the second All-CCIW honor of her career as she was named to the league's second team. Starting all eight games at midfield, Waishwell contributed three assists in CCIW play, a mark good for second on the team and tied for second in the conference behind only DeVriendt. 

The CCIW also announced the nine winners of its RESPECT Award for the season. RESPECT Award recipients have distinguished themselves as an integral member of the team, their institution, and community by upholding the values of Responsibility, Enthusiasm, Service, Pride, Excellence, Collaboration, and Trust. The RESPECT Award recognizes the intangible traits a student-athlete possesses that exemplify great character and encourages inclusiveness and a positive culture. Senior Megan Michels was named North Central's CCIW RESPECT Award recipient.

As the top seed in the CCIW Tournament, North Central will host a semifinal matchup Wednesday, Nov. 4, at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium. The Cardinals will face the winner of Saturday's quarterfinal between No. 5 seed Carroll University and No. 4 seed Wheaton College.