Where do you start?

The Wildcats won so many awards, including a near-sweep of the top ones, that a little organization is necessary.

First, there’s the five major awards, the “… of the year” honors that were among those announced by the league earlier this week.

NMU claimed four of the five — Brooke Pietila was named GLIAC Offensive Player of the Year, Hannah Kastamo the GLIAC Defensive Player of the Year, Sally Patton the GLIAC Freshman of the Year and Jon Sandoval the GLIAC Coach of the Year. Sandoval won this honor for the second straight season.

Northern Michigan University’s Hannah Kastamo, left, and Ferris State’s Brinley Bell vie for control of the ball during their GLIAC women’s soccer game played at the NMU Soccer Field in Marquette on Oct. 4. (Photo courtesy Cara Kamps)

Two of those honored also made the GLIAC First Team — Pietila and Kastamo — as they were joined by another trio of Wildcats on that honor squad, Justina L’Esperance, Molly Pistorius and Maria Storm.

Then Patton, another top honoree, was named to the GLIAC Second Team, while a seventh player, Angelina Perritano, was named GLIAC Honorable Mention.

“We’re thrilled for our players receiving these awards and recognition, but they’d be the first to say that it all begins in daily training, where iron sharpens iron,” Sandoval said in an NMU Sports Information news release announcing the school’s awards. “Every single player pushed each other and every single player laid bricks to make these achievements possible.

“These honors are a reflection of our team’s success, and every player on this squad should take pride in them.”

Probably nobody in the conference was too surprised by all this, considering NMU won the league regular-season title for the second consecutive year.

The only major award not won by a Wildcat was Grand Valley State’s Cailynn Junk as GLIAC Goalkeeper of the Year. She led the league’s runner-up team by going 10-1-6 and totaling 50 saves, producing nine shutouts of her own and two more combined with a teammate. Her seven saves in each game vs. NMU were career highs.

The balance of the 11-member GLIAC First Team is Michigan Tech at-large player Julia Pietila; Ferris State forward Katherine Welch; Saginaw Valley State midfielder Madi Bajis; and GVSU midfielder Ryann Fetty, defender Kacy Lauer and Junk.

The rest of the 11 players on the Second Team are GVSU forward Taylor Reid, midfielder Emma Chudik and defender Daan Louwerse; SVSU forward Stephanie Strong, midfielder Grace Miller and defender Solana Kelly; Wisconsin-Parkside forward Emily Mikkelson; Ferris State midfielder Annie Hartley; and Davenport defender Arianna Diemer and at-large player Haley Diekevers.

The remaining members of the nine in the Honorable Mention group are Davenport’s Gabby Scholten, Ferris’ Natalia Leavens, GVSU’s Allie French, Michigan Tech’s Olivia Gette, Parkside’s Adrianna Rodriguez, Purdue Northwest’s Sarah Scaling, Roosevelt’s Roxy Herrera and SVSU’s Brianna Cobbs.

Here are details about each NMU honoree:

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Brooke Pietila — A fifth-year midfielder, the GLIAC Offensive Player of the Year and league First Teamer from downstate Brighton led the league with eight goals, six assists, three game-winning goals, 22 points and 49 shots. Her 24 shots on goal was second overall as she averaged 1.57 per conference game.

This is her first major GLIAC award, though she’s now been named GLIAC First Team for three straight seasons.

Pietila now owns NMU career records with her 94 games, 92 starts, 29 assists and five multi-assist games. She also holds the Northern single-season record with nine assists and is second with her 7,284 career minutes played and third with 73 career points.

“What you see are the statistics, the awards and the recognitions,” Sandoval said. “However, it’s what you don’t see that has set Brooke apart. Her relentless work ethic, unmatched drive and grit on the field are what set her apart and make her a constant threat.

“She pours everything into every play, and this award is a testament to her dedication and commitment to excellence.”

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Hannah Kastamo — A junior midfielder and defender, the GLIAC Defensive Player of the Year and league First Teamer from downstate Hartland started every NMU game this season and was a key part of the Wildcats allowing just six goals in 14 conference games.

But she’s also been able to push forward on offense, leading league defenders with four goals, three assists and 11 points. Among all players, she was also second with two game-winning goals and seventh in points.

This is her first major GLIAC award and first conference First Team recognition after earning honorable mention last season.

“Hannah’s dedication and versatility have been game changers for us this season,” Sandoval said. “She’s a true team player, stepping into new roles without hesitation and giving 100% in the attack and on defense.

“Her relentless energy and commitment make her incredibly deserving of this award.”

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Sally Patton — A freshman goaltender, the GLIAC Freshman of the Year and league Second Team honoree from Columbus, Ohio, started all 14 league matches for Northern, finishing second with a .488 goals-against average and six goals allowed.

In front of the net for more than 1,100 minutes in league play, she posted four shutouts and made 34 saves to help NMU finish 9-2-3 in the GLIAC.

“Sally’s composure and skill in goal have been incredible, especially for a freshman,” Sandoval said. “She steps up in the biggest moments, making game-changing saves with poise beyond her years.

“Earning Freshman of the Year is a testament to her talent and fearlessness in high-pressure situations.”

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Jon Sandoval — The fifth-year Wildcats’ head coach is a native of East Moline, Illinois. This back-to-back GLIAC Coach of the Year has also guided NMU to back-to-back GLIAC regular-season titles.

The nine wins in a 9-2-3 GLIAC record matches a program high set last year. NMU is 40-10-13 in the GLIAC and 60-20-15 overall under Sandoval, including an impressive 33-2-8 at home.

This year’s team broke NMU records for most goals, assists and points while also having the fewest goals conceded by any Northern team.

“This should be a Staff of the Year honor,” he said. “I’m incredibly thankful for Natalie Stampfly, Bryce Beckley, Haley Viitala and Vince Rodkey. Our success is a team effort, and I’m lucky to work alongside them.

“Any coach’s success is built by great players; I’m just an average coach with a phenomenal team and an amazing staff, and when you love the people you work with, great things follow.”

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Justina L’Esperance — The junior midfielder from downstate Hartland named to the GLIAC First Team tied Pietila for team highs with six assists and 47 shots. She was also second in the league with seven goals, 20 points and 1.43 points per game in conference contests.

“Justina’s journey back to the field has been nothing short of inspiring,” Sandoval said. “She carried a chip on her shoulder from the moment she was sidelined last year, determined to come back stronger.

“She is a true testament to her strength and unwavering commitment to her team and her love for soccer.”

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Molly Pistorius — The junior forward-midfielder from Chicago named to the GLIAC First Team tied Pietila and L’Esperance with six assists and was second with two game-winning goals. She was also third only behind the pair with five goals and 16 points in conference contests.

“Molly’s impact on the field and in the locker room has been phenomenal,” Sandoval said. “As a leader and captain, she’s the strength our team relies on in the toughest moments. Her relentless drive and tireless work rate make her invaluable.

“To be this consistent for this long is remarkable.”

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Maria Storm — The senior midfielder from downstate Hartland named to the GLIAC First Team played the most conference minutes of any Wildcat with 1,170. She started all 14 league matches, dishing out three crucial goals in each of the final three regular-season games.

“Maria is one of the rarest players, a true ‘unicorn,'” Sandoval said. “She works tirelessly, not because she has to, but because she doesn’t realize just how talented she is. Her humility and continuous drive lift everyone around her.

“Her ability to manage a back line and also score big goals in big moments is incredible.”

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Angelina Perritano — A junior forward-midfielder from San Diego named GLIAC Honorable Mention started every conference game, chalking up 893 minutes and 21 shots.

“Angelina had a standout season, stepping up in multiple roles and excelling in each one,” Sandoval said. “Her versatility and commitment didn’t go unnoticed, and we’re thrilled to see her hard work recognized.”

Information compiled by Journal Sports Editor Steve Brownlee. His email address is sbrownlee@miningjournal.net.