IOWA CITY, Iowa – University of Iowa women’s soccer team captain Samantha Cary was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week, the league office announced on Tuesday.
The recognition is the first conference weekly honor of Cary’s career. The St. Charles, Missouri, native is a four-time Big Ten Player to Watch.
Cary anchored the Hawkeye defense through a pair of shutout victories last week, downing Mississippi State, 1-0, on the road on Aug. 31 before defeating Southeast Missouri State, 4-0, on Sept. 3.
The Iowa defense has allowed just one goal and 14 shots on goal through five games this season. With a 5-0 record, The Hawkeyes are off to their best start since the 2019 season.
Cary has played the entirety of four contests, subbing out for the first time in the victory over SEMO.
Iowa did not allow a shot against the Redhawks on Sunday, led by Cary’s 72 minutes on the defensive back line. Cary, who was honored for Senior Day before the game, has made 79 career starts through 80 games played.
Cary and the Hawkeyes travel to Charlottesville, Virginia, on Sept. 7 to take on Virginia at Klöckner Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. (CT). Iowa faces George Mason at 11 a.m. on Sept. 10 at George Mason Stadium in Fairfax, Virginia. The Big Ten Conference slate kicks off on Sept. 17, hosting Illinois at the Iowa Soccer Complex.