Continuing her climb into the Maroon spotlight, first-year defender Kate Manuelli netted UAA Athlete of the Week honors Tuesday after a week that saw her enter the boards in a big way.

During a 4–0 rout of UW–La Crosse last Wednesday, Manuelli scored her first goal of the year just 40 seconds after assisting second-year midfielder Claire Gill. The New Jersey native took a shot from 25 yards out and nutmegged the keeper for her first goal as a Maroon.

After demonstrating this offensive prowess, Manuelli started in the midfield for Saturday’s match against top-ranked and national defending champion Wheaton (19–0), where she gave the fans at Stagg Field a moment to remember.

Cementing her integral role in the team’s success, Manuelli headed in first-year defender Claire Denz’s corner kick with just five seconds left in regulation to force overtime against the Thunder.

Although Chicago eventually fell 3–2, Manuelli’s highlight reel buzzer beater remains the undisputed play of the year for the Maroons.