WALESKA, Ga. — Winners both on and off the field, the Montreat College women's soccer program continued the Cavaliers' prolific run as a department valuing high-level team culture. According to a release from the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) office on Tuesday, the women's soccer squad claimed the league's 2025-26 Women's Team of Character award.
 
The accolade marked the third consecutive academic year in which the Cavs secured the AAC Women's Team of Character honor, as well as the fourth straight year in which Montreat College won Team of Character recognition on either the men's or women's side. It also represented the fifth consecutive year in which the Cavaliers seized at least one major character award at the conference level.
 
A squad of talented competitors, the women's soccer program left its mark on the pitch in numerous ways. From scoring a season-high six goals to notching three consecutive clean sheets, the Cavs delivered repeatedly in the standings. Montreat accrued six wins and one draw in league play, clinching the No. 8 seed in the AAC Tournament. From there, the Cavaliers cruised past Spartanburg Methodist College with a 3-0 triumph to make the quarterfinal round. Additionally, Sam Aalbue won AAC Offensive Player of the Week recognition and Second Team All-AAC status during the campaign.
 
However, Montreat's impact was felt far beyond the scoreboard. Several women's soccer student-athletes shared their faith, specifically regarding areas the Lord had shown up in their lives, after home matches with opponents. Those genuine moments made a difference for people on both sides of the field, particularly with student-athletes on opposing teams who were facing similar challenges in their own lives.
 
The women's soccer program also thrived by investing in spaces away from the field. In the classroom, the Cavs dominated every challenge and obstacle, leading all Montreat NAIA varsity programs with an astounding 3.75 GPA for 2025-26. Academic accolades ensued, with six Cavaliers garnering College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District® Team status, 17 capturing NAIA Scholar-Athlete recognition and 18 corralling AAC All-Academic Team honors.
 
Coupled with athletic and academic success, the women's soccer team had a plethora of its student-athletes serving others across the campus and the community. From being resident assistants (RA) to Wilson Scholars to admissions ambassadors, the Cavs' presence was felt locally. While group service projects have always been a part of the program under Head Coach Kristin Eggert, several student-athletes went above and beyond on their own, especially in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, handing out meals throughout the community.
 
Ultimately, the Montreat College women's soccer program displayed the NAIA's five core values—integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership—across the board. As a result, the Cavaliers were named the 2025-26 AAC Women's Team of Character.
 
For the official 2025-26 AAC Women's Team of Character announcement, click here.