King Collects First ACC Defensive Player Of The Week Honor

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – One week into her collegiate career and defender Savy King has already put the Atlantic Coast Conference on notice, as the University of North Carolina freshman was named the league's Defensive Player of the Week. The conference announced its weekly honorees on Tuesday after opening weekend of the 2023 season.

King is the first true UNC freshman to earn an ACC weekly award since fellow defender Maycee Bell in 2019.

Starting at center back, King was one of only four Tar Heels to log a full 90 minutes in both matches played last weekend. She was also one of just three freshmen across the league who saw every minute on the pitch.

The West Hills, California native was a key part of a defensive unit that kept California to only two shots the entire contest, including holding them shotless between the 15th and 85th minutes. King also helped limit Penn State to just five shots during the match.

Following UNC's season opener against the Nittany Lions, head coach Anson Dorrance said King "had one of the best first-game performances by a freshman in the history of our program."

The second-ranked Tar Heels continue their five-game home stretch on Thursday, Aug. 24, by playing host to Wisconsin. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. ET at Dorrance Field with tickets available for purchase here.

Stay up to date with UNC women's soccer by following the Tar Heels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Players Mentioned

Maycee Bell

Savy King

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