Things keep getting better for the women’s soccer team, as Courtney Ksiazek was recognized as the MAC Defensive Player of the Week.

This is the first conference honor for Ksiazek, who earned it with her performance against Kent State and Ohio over the weekend. The Huskies maintained their one-goal leads in both games thanks to her play. While Ksiazek was grateful for the recognition, she viewed it as a team award.

“It’s a pretty big honor since we have a pretty competitive conference,” Ksiasek said. “It speaks wonders for what our team did this weekend as well, not just myself.”

The Huskie defense had to work hard to maintain its leads over Ohio and Kent State. Led by Ksiazek, the defense had to constantly clear the ball out of the defensive zone. She believes her main role in the game was to maintain the defensive strategy.

“My vocalness in the back and organizing and making sure people are in the right spots [aided in the game],” Ksiazek said. “On defense, it’s all about how you’re set up and organized. That’s what I brought specifically to the table, and then the girls on my team executed what I asked them to do.”

While Ksiazek has been a career defender, she spent much of the season playing at midfield. The decision to move her back on defense has been a big one. Since her return to the back four games ago, the defense has improved significantly.

“We wanted a different look when I moved up to midfield,” Ksiazek said. “Then we wanted to move things around [again]. My experience back there over the course of my life has proven to be helpful not only to myself but also the whole team.”

Head coach John Ross believes it’s only been a matter of time before she is recognized.

“It’s a well-deserved honor,” Ross said. “She’s done a lot all through her career.”

Ksiazek credits her teammates’ hard work on the field for the award. The Huskies limited Ohio and Kent State to a combined 10 shots, most of which came after NIU had taken the lead.

“You don’t beat teams with one person against 11,” Ksiazek said. “It’s definitely a team indicative award.”

The timing of Ksiazek’s strong play couldn’t be better for the Huskies. Without the senior defensive anchor, the Huskies might not be playoff bound. Ross thinks it’s a combination of the team and her play that has boosted the defense in recent games.

“The players around her helped her get noticed,” Ross said. “She’d been put in good spots by her teammates, and she made the most of them.”