(Apr. 28, 2026) - For the first time in their careers, Samantha Alis and Mikaela Busse earned All-College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) honors following the 2026 conference season. Alis led the way with a First Team selection, while Busse earned Second Team recognition, marking a milestone achievement for both players and the program.

A team captain, Alis started all five conference matchups and made an impact across the field. She recorded four goals and four assists while anchoring the defense, finishing with 17 ground balls, a team-high 12 caused turnovers and 15 draw controls against CCIW opponents.

The defender from Idaho delivered one of her top performances April 18, against Elmhurst University, scoring two goals and placing three shots on goal. She added five ground balls, three caused turnovers and two draw controls. Alis closed conference play ranked seventh in the CCIW in draw controls per game and sixth in caused turnovers per game.

Busse, a freshman midfielder from Oswego, Illinois, turned in a strong debut conference season. She totaled 12 goals and six assists for 18 points, ranking third in the CCIW with 3.00 goals per game and third with 5.75 shots per game. She also recorded 19 shots on goal and nine ground balls.

Her top performance came on April 25 against Augustana College, when she tied her career high with five goals and led the team offensively. Busse added three assists for a season-best eight points while putting seven shots on goal in a breakout performance.

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 their 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 encourage inclusiveness and a positive culture. North Central's RESPECT Award honoree is sophomore defender Samantha Devens.