University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Ariel Diaz Named 2021 C-USA Preseason Offensive Player of the Year
8/19/2021 10:42:00 AM | Women's Soccer
HATTIESBURG, Miss. – Southern Miss graduate student Ariel Diaz (Lubbock, Texas-Monterey HS-North Texas) has been named the C-USA Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, along with being named to the 2021 C-USA Women's Soccer Preseason Team.
Diaz comes off a stellar Spring 2021 season with the Golden Eagles where she scored five goals, notching 10 points and 23 shots along the way. She led the Black and Gold last season, as Southern Miss reached the C-USA Women's Soccer Tournament Semifinal. She was awarded the Spring 2021 C-USA Offensive Player of the Year and named to the C-USA All-Conference First Team.
"Being nominated for the C-USA Preseason Offensive Player of the Year is an honor. It goes along with my mindset and determination to play every game at 100%. I always put in my best whether it's a game or practice. It's really nice to see that many other coaches around the league see that," said Diaz.
Assistant Coach J.P. Valadares noted "Ariel worked hard and has developed a lot as a player and human being since joining our program. These accolades as well as the ones from last year are the recognition from coaches across the conference on that development. Now is time to prove she is ready for more, and I'm sure she knows grind time is upon us".
"It's such an honor to coach a player like Ariel! She is the definition of grit. She is an exciting player to watch. She makes things happen on the field! I am thrilled to watch her grow and accomplish many things this season" expressed Assistant Coach Carly Mauldin.
For Southern Miss Soccer updates, follow the team's twitter account, @SouthernMissSoc, and check the main athletics site at SouthernMiss.com.
