BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Southwestern Athletic Conference announced Women’s Soccer weekly awards for September 22, 2026, where Jackson State’s Ryanne Hawthorn-Harper grabbed Offensive Player of the Week, Makayla Sturkey swiped Defensive Player of the Week and Taylor Osborn earned Goalkeeper of the Week. Alabama A&M’s Jordyn Washington rounded the awards earning Newcomer of the Week.
 
SWAC Women’s Soccer Offensive Player of the Week: Ryanne Hawthorn-Harper, Jackson State
The Graduate Student from Mississauga, Ontario, Canada led in Jackson State go 2-0 through the matches played on September 18 and 20^th. In the match played on September 18 against Austin Peay, Hawthorn-Harper added a goal in the 74^th minute, helping the Lady Tigers take the lead which ultimately flipped the momentum for Jackson State to earn the win. In Sunday's match against Middle Tennessee, Ryanne Hawthorn-Harper found herself in the scoring column again scoring at the 47^th minute as the Lady Tigers used their offensive firepower to win 4-1. Ryanne Hawthorn-Harper leads Jackson State with five goals, (tied second in the SWAC), and leads the conference with three game-winning goals along with being ranked third with 12 points. Ryanne Hawthorn-Harper heads into the SWAC Weekly honor with her first weekly award of the season.
 
SWAC Women’s Soccer Defensive Player of the Week: Makayla Sturkey, Jackson State
The Junior Defender from Jamul, California helped Jackson State go 2-0 for the matches played for September 18 and 20^th. Sturkey was the anchor of the defense making key tackles and contributing to a team save. Makayla Sturkey’s defensive leadership was a key contribution to limiting offenses and now earns her first weekly award as the team goes into conference play.
 
SWAC Women’s Soccer Goalkeeper of the Week: Taylor Osborn, Jackson State
The Sophomore Goalkeeper from Port St. Lucie, Florida started and appeared in both matches played for Jackson State, finishing with 21 saves through both matches and a .915 save percentage. Going 2-0 in goal, Osborn corralled eight saves in the win over Austin Peay and followed with 13 against Middle Tennessee. As Taylor Osborn begins SWAC Play, the 2026 SWAC Preseason Goalkeeper of the Year continues to build her resume with her first weekly honor of the season.
 
SWAC Women’s Soccer Newcomer of the Week: Jordyn Washington, Alabama A&M
The Freshman Forward from Montgomery, Illinois was a key contributor to Alabama A&M’s shutout win over South Carolina State, scoring a goal on Sunday, September 20 on one shot. Washington is second on the Lady Bulldogs with three goals in the season, six points and leads with a .545 shot on goal percentage. As Alabama A&M turns their focus towards SWAC Play, Jordyn Washington adds her first weekly honor of the season.

About the SWAC
The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) is considered one of the premier HBCU conferences in the country and currently ranks among the elite in the nation in terms of HBCU alumni playing with professional sports teams.

Current championship competition offered by the league includes competition for men in Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Indoor Track and Field, Outdoor Track and Field, and Tennis. 

Women’s competitions are offered in the sports of Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Golf, Indoor Track and Field, Outdoor Track and Field, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, and Volleyball.
 
Follow the SWAC
For complete coverage of the Southwestern Athletic Conference, please follow the SWAC on social media at @TheSWAC on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter or visit the official website of the SWAC at www.swac.org.