The Student Newspaper of Highline College

Jack Harton/Highline Athletics

Highline’s Meredith Udovich brings the ball upfield in soccer action earlier this year.

Udovich named NWAC Player of the Year

Rebecca Zenger Staff Reporter Dec 09, 2021

Highline’s Meredith Udovich was named the 2021 NWAC Baden Player of the Year for women’s soccer. 

Also, men’s Head Coach Steve Mohn was NWAC Coach of the Year.

Mohn helped lead the T-Birds to second place in the NWAC West with an 8-5 in record, 14-5 overall. Highline then went on a seven-game winning streak to win its fourth championship.

Mohn has been a part of every single men’s soccer championship in school history. He coached three of them, and played in the first one in 2004.

Udovich was NWAC’s best player at setting up her teammates to score, leading the conference with 18 total assists. 

“Meredith’s ability to make the players around her better is fantastic.  She does a great job of being an impactful presence on and off the field, but not wanting the attention of that role. It indirectly shows how important being a member of a team is,” said Highline Head Coach Tom Moore.

Udovich said she couldn’t have done anything without her team. The program culture allowed her and her teammates to grow as better players, she said.

 “The three coaches did so much for us on and off the field. My teammates at Highline pushed me and eachother everyday to give 100 percent at all times,” Udovich said. 

Udovich also tied for fifth in the league in scoring with eight goals, and third overall with 34 points. 

“Meredith can be a relentless player to compete against.  She possesses some very good traits as a player in strength, speed, and a great mind for the game,” said Coach Moore.

Udovich established herself as a clutch player for Highline with four game-winning goals, 55 shots and 26 shots on goal. During a potential season-ending game, Udovich scored in the 89th minute, helping Highline advance to the NWAC final four. 

“Meredith has impacted this team by stepping up to the plate and getting the job done in big moments,” said teammate and forward Andrea Guiton.

“It doesn’t matter where she is in the attacking half, she can strike like no other. She is a tank in the open field, and will run over anyone in her way,” said teammate and defender Abby Carmel. 

Highline women’s soccer concluded its season with a 12-3-1 overall record while winning the West Region title. 

Receiving NWAC Player of the Year means a lot to her because of the extra time and effort she gave off the field, Udovich said. 

As a student-athlete, Udovich is keeping the ball rolling. After earning her AA degree at Highline, she plans to continue her education and soccer career at a four-year university. 

For Udovich, playing for the Thunderbirds has been anything but ordinary. 

“Highline soccer isn’t just a team, it’s a family and I’m so thankful to be a part of this family,” said Udovich.

Reporter Danny Elmoussa contributed to this story. `

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