Mayah Wheeler at the ALL-MAAC. GOJASPERS/ COURTESY
Andrew Mannion, Sports Editor
Mayah Wheeler and Olivia McMaster have been recognized as some of the best women’s soccer players in the MAAC, as they earned All-MAAC first and third team honors, respectively.
Wheeler was announced to the third team after proving to be one of the premier defenders in the conference. Coming off of a 2024 junior season where she received All-MAAC third team honors, she found another level as the two way threat on the Jaspers. She consistently shut down top attackers across the MAAC, and led the way for a Manhattan University defense that would concede only the fifth most goals among MAAC teams.
McMaster had an incredible season as the primary goal scorer for the team. After a position change to forward, McMaster had to focus her position into more offensive production, which paid off for the junior. She led the team with six goals, while rattling off an impressive 53 shots over her season.
With first team honors, Wheeler solidifies herself as one of the just six defenders who received the recognition. Saving her best season for last, she spoke on how she was able to play at the highest level in the MAAC.
“I think this season everything came together in terms of confidence and preparation,” Wheeler said. “I trusted myself more and felt like I was playing with a clear mind. My team played a huge role in that and having teammates who believe in you makes it easier to perform your best. Overall I think I found my role and embraced every moment on the field.”
Head Coach Brendan Lawler was one to notice the dramatic difference Wheeler made for the team. He spoke on how Wheeler has improved the team over her collegiate career, and spoke highly of her character.
“Mayah has been a vital part of the program from the second she arrived on campus,” Lawler said. “Her fitness and work rate has made her one of the best two-way players in the conference and I’m very happy her play has been acknowledged in this way.”
For McMaster, the position change to forward led to plenty of adjustments that had to be made. Always being a skilled two-way player, she was able to focus her game into the offensive end. Becoming an offensive juggernaut for Manhattan, she spoke to the skill needed to be able to switch into this new position.
“I’m most proud of myself for stepping into a position that I’ve played very little in before and being able to have the impact on the field that I did,” McMaster said.
McMaster made it clear that although the honors are important, her priority remains the team’s overall success.
“Although I am very honored, receiving this honor has never been a primary goal for me,” McMaster said. “I have been primarily focused on helping the team in any way I can to win games, whether that be assisting people in the midfield or scoring goals as a forward.”
With Wheeler graduating in May, she hopes her example of leadership and work ethic will continue to drive the team into the future. In her interview with The Quadrangle, she made it clear that her efforts were towards setting an example for the younger players and always keeping the future of the team confident.
“As a senior I have always tried to lead by example whether it was through training habits or just being someone my teammates could rely on,” Wheeler said. “I’ve had a lot of highs and lows so I always want to help the younger players feel more supported and confident on and off the field.”