FRISCO, Texas (Sept. 21, 2017) – Former North Texas Soccer players Hanna Barker, Samantha Chaiken, Alyssa Palacios and Kory Dixon claimed NCAA Division I Conference Player of the Week awards after their performance over the previous week.
Barker was named the Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Week after scoring a goal and recording an assist in Stephen F. Austin’s win over Northwestern State. The 2016 Southland Conference Midfielder of the Year is tied for the conference lead in points (10) and ranks in the top two in goals scored (three) and assists (four). The senior forward from Farmers Branch, Texas played club soccer for D’Feeters Soccer Club, where she was a North Texas State Cup champion (2007) and a US Youth Soccer Southern Regional Premier League (SRPL) West champion (2011). Barker also reached the finals of the 2011 US Youth Soccer Region III Championships.
Chaiken earned the Conference USA Offensive Player of the Week honor courtesy of a two goal and one assist performance in a 6-2 Rice win over Florida Atlantic. The senior midfielder was selected as the 2016 Conference USA Midfielder of the Year and currently leads Rice in shots on goal this season. The Dallas native played club soccer for Dallas Texans, where she twice won the North Texas State Cup. Chaiken also competed in the SRPL and played in the North Texas Olympic Development Program from 2009-10.
Alyssa Palacios competing at the 2011 US Youth Soccer National Championships
Palacios recorded six saves and a shutout in UTEP’s 1-0 win at Southern Miss, earning her the Conference USA Goalkeeper of the Week award. Last season Palacios was named to the All-Conference USA Third Team after setting a UTEP record for nine shutouts and ranking second in school history in save percentage, wins and saves. The junior from Carrollton, Texas played club soccer for Sting Soccer Club, where she won the 2011 US Youth Soccer National Championships and received the Golden Glove Award, given to the most outstanding keeper in the age group. Palacios also claimed North Texas State Cup and US Youth Soccer Region III Championships titles while participating in the North Texas and US Youth Soccer Region III ODP programs.
Dixon’s 105th minute game-winning goal gave South Alabama a double-overtime win against Appalachian State. Dixon also recorded four shots on goal en route to her first Sun Belt Conference Player of the Week award. The goal was Dixon’s first of the season and second of her career. The sophomore from Roanoke, Texas played club soccer for D’feeters Soccer Club.
