Two Northwestern College athletes were recognized last week for their outstanding recent performances: freshman Peyton Anderson and senior Parker Fryar.
Anderson, the goalkeeper of the women’s soccer team, has had an impressive showing this season, particularly in the matches against Concordia and Midland, where she racked up 22 saves between the two games.
She was announced as the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) Defensive Player of the Week for her efforts. Anderson was surprised when she first found out about the award but feels honored, especially because she is only a freshman.
“Last September I tore my ACL halfway through my senior season and had surgery in November, so I have been taking the previous year doing recovery and therapy,” Anderson said. “Once I started playing full games again it felt great to be back in the net. One thing that has pushed me to keep going through challenges is something that my coach has told me over and over: ‘Control the controllables.’ Even though my knee might be hurting I still have to push through, and most of the time it is a mental game, especially being a goalie.”
Anderson feels motivated by the award and despite the challenges the team has faced, she knows they help them work harder the next game.
Parker Fryar, linebacker, was named GPAC Defensive Player of the Week for football, but a few days later was nationally recognized, being named National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Defensive Player of the Week. He has totaled 36 tackles and an interception this season already and ranks third in the GPAC for tackles per game.
Fryar attributed his success to his teammates and coaches.
“They are around me every day, hold me accountable, and at the end of the day, I trust them, which allows me to execute at the highest level,” he said.
Fryar is encouraged by the announcement because it shows that the Raider defense is heading in the right direction. “We have a lot of areas to improve on, but this award shows that we have the ability to accomplish a lot this year,” he said.
Head coach Matt McCarty said Fryar’s “preparation, attention to detail and the effort he plays with really sets him apart”, adding that “he is a great tone setter for our defense.”
Be sure to keep an eye on Anderson and Fryar as they continue to be key factors in their respective games ahead.
