Forward-defender Hannah Kastamo of downstate Hartland and midfielder Kenna Alexander of Bloomington, Indiana, earned this honor.

NMU’s league, the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, had nine student-athletes represented on All-Midwest teams, three on the First Team and the balance on the Second Team.

“I am delighted for Hannah and Kenna,” Northern first-year head coach Erin Egolf said in an NMU Sports Information news release announcing the honors. “From their work rate to their consistency to their production, they both put together fantastic seasons.

“While (these awards are) just for their efforts this season, these all-region awards also reflect their body of work over extended time at NMU, and truly exhibit all that they have given to this team and program.

Northern Michigan University’s Kenna Alexander, right, is able to keep the ball away from Grand Valley State’s Taylor Reid during their game held at the NMU Soccer Field in Marquette on Sept. 20, 2024. (Photo courtesy Cara Kamps)

“Individual awards are also a product of team performance, so I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the output of our team this season. For individuals to shine, there have to be players around them contributing at a high level, and that was certainly our reality.”

Kastamo had already been named to the All-Midwest Region Second Team by the Division II Conference Commissioners Association a few weeks ago, making it three all-region accolades in her career. And she earned All-GLIAC First Team honors after the regular season ended.

This past season, she started all 20 Wildcats games, leading NMU with six goals, four assists, 16 points and three game-winning goals, and among team leaders with 1,647 minutes played, 47 shots and 16 shots on goal.

Alexander earned her first all-region honor after finishing with a flourish, scoring five goals over a five-game streak, including a pair of game-winning goals.

That tied her with Kastamo for the Wildcats’ most goals with six and second on the team with 14 points. She also started every game, playing a full 90 minutes eight times and less than 70 minutes just once.

Earning All-GLIAC Second Team recognition, this was her breakout year as she set personal marks in every major statistical category.

Story contents based on Northern Michigan University Sports Information press release reviewing the honors. Journal Sports Editor Steve Brownlee’s email address is sbrownlee@miningjournal.net.