Olivia Fitzgerald

Western Kentucky senior Olivia Fitzgerald earned a spot Thursday on the National Soccer Coaches’ Association of America’s All-Central Region Second Team, the first all-region honor of her career.

Fitzgerald, one of the linchpins of WKU’s defense as its center back this season, led WKU players with 1,725 minutes played and helped the defense to 10 shutouts, seven of which came during Conference USA play.

The Carmel, Ind., native collected her first point of the season at Florida International on Oct. 16, assisting on Hannah Chua’s match-winner against the Panthers. Fitzgerald earned College Sports Information Directors of America academic all-district honors this season and was named the C-USA Defensive Player of the Week on Sept. 12.

Fitzgerald completed her career with 60 starts and 73 appearances and had one goal and a pair of assists while playing along the back line. She helped to lead the Lady Toppers to 33 shutouts during her career.

The Lady Toppers completed their 2016 campaign with a 12-6-1 overall record, their most wins in a single season since also notching 12 in 2012.