Following a vote by the conference's ten head coaches, the Liberty League has revealed the 2026 Women's Soccer Major Awards and All-League teams.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Alice Crowley, Junior, Forward, Vassar College
Vassar College junior forward Alice Crowley was recognized as the Liberty League Player of the Year. Crowley paces the Brewers in goals (10) and points (24), while ranking third in assists with four. She leads the conference in total points and ranks among the league’s top five in points per game (2nd, 1.41), goals (2nd), and goals per game (2nd, 0.588). Crowley recorded multiple goals in three contests and tallied two game-winning goals during the regular season. Against Liberty League opponents, she totaled seven goals and three assists for 17 points across nine games. Crowley also made her mark in this year’s Liberty League Championship final, scoring the opening goal in Vassar’s 2-1 victory over William Smith as the Brewers claimed their second consecutive conference title.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Cecelia Wager, Senior, Defender, Vassar College
Vassar College senior defender Cecelia Wager was selected as the Liberty League Defensive Player of the Year after spearheading a Brewer defense that has allowed a league-low six goals through 17 games (0.35 goals per game). Vassar was even stingier against conference opponents, surrendering just three goals in nine games. The team has recorded 12 shutouts on the year and ties for ninth nationally in Division III shutout percentage (.706). Wager also contributed offensively with two goals this season. She was instrumental in the Liberty League Tournament, anchoring a Vassar backline that allowed 15 shots and one goal through two games. She also converted the clinching penalty kick in a scoreless semifinal draw against Union as the Brewers advanced in the 4-2 shootout. Vassar went on to defeat William Smith 2-1 in the championship game to secure its second straight conference crown. For her efforts throughout the tournament, Wager was named the Liberty League Championship's Most Outstanding Performer.
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Grace Sudbay, Midfielder, William Smith College
For the first time since 2021, a William Smith College first-year has garnered Rookie of the Year accolades, with Grace Sudbay receiving the 2026 distinction. Sudbay, a midfielder, made an immediate impact for the Herons, playing in all 18 games and making 17 starts this season. She is third on the team in points with 10 on four goals and two assists, while tying for the team lead with two game-winning goals. Three of her goals came against conference opponents, including both game-winners. A three-time Liberty League Rookie of the Week, Sudbay helped William Smith capture its first regular-season title since 2023. The Herons advanced to the Liberty League Championship game and earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament.
COACHING STAFF OF THE YEAR: Union College – Karen Perron, Head Coach
Union College head coach Karen Perron and her staff (assistant coaches Roy Gurnon, Bailey Bassett) earned Liberty League Coaching Staff of the Year honors after directing the Garnet Chargers to a 7-4-8 overall record and a 4-1-4 mark in league play. The Garnet Chargers earned the No. 3 seed in the 2026 Liberty League Championship, climbing three spots from last season, and they advanced to the semifinals for the first time since 2021. Defensively, Union tied for second in the conference in goals allowed per game with 0.56, surrendering only 10 in 19 games. The Garnet Chargers finished the year tied for the league lead in shutouts with 12, including two in the league tournament.