By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — With a 9-0-1 Northwestern Conference record, the tie a 0-0 double overtime decision at Hibriten, it is not surprising that Watauga and the Lenoir-based Panthers dominated all-conference selections, including Pioneer center forward Katie Durham tabbed as “Player of the Year” for 2023.
Hibriten’s only conference loss was to Watauga, a 2-1 result at Jack Groce Stadium. The Panthers finished with an 8-1-1 NWC record.
Team Champion – Watauga
Player of the Year – Katie Durham – Watauga
Co-Offensive Players of the Year – Abby Kidder – Hibriten and Lexie Dawson – Ashe Co
Defensive Player of the Year – Rylee Conard – Hibriten
Coach of the Year – Wayne Cable – Ashe County
All-Conference Selections
WATAUGA
- Katie Durham
- Maya Nelson
- Samantha Bertrand
- Sydnee Bryant
- Abby Hemp
- Lucy Willis
- Georgia Parker
- Morgan Flynt
- Kate Sears
- Honorable Mention: Rylee Mitchell, Ellee Bishop
HIBRITEN
- Abby Kidder
- Rylee Conard
- Darby Keen
- Avery Harris
- Addison Brookshire
- Mayra Tejamanil
- Haley Crowe
- Nichole Gonzalez
- Bella Hawkins
- Honorable Mention: Addy Connor, Sydney WatkinsÂ
ASHE COUNTY
- Jezih Martin
- Alexis Dawson
- Morgan Phipps
- Abigal Jones
- Dakota Petterman
- Kesiyn Durham
- Honorable Mention – Ellie Cable, Maddie MayÂ
FREEDOM
- Abby Bryant
- Yurani Regino
- Scout Conrad
- Honorable Mention – McKenna Carver, Marie Perez Rodriguez
ALEXANDER CENTRAL
- Abi Ponce
- Taylor Sharpe
- Abigail Bumgarner
- Honorable Mention – Heidi Fox, Haley Queen
SOUTH CALDWELL
- Paige Greene
- Joanna Hindman
- Honorable Mention – Samantha Austin
