McHenry, MD – Two members of Garrett College's first-year women's soccer team were named to the all-Region 20 squad.

Freshman Cheyenne Zack was selected to the Region 20 second team, and freshman Sydney Weeks was an honorable mention on the all-star squad. Both Lady Lakers played center back and center defensive midfield at various times throughout the season.

"I'm very grateful – and a little surprised," said Zack, a 2023 graduate of Niles (OH) High School, of being named all-Region 20.

Weeks, a 2023 graduate of Calvary Christian, had a similar reaction.

"I wasn't at all expecting to get this award," Weeks said. "I'm just so thankful for receiving it."

Zack said head coach Brandon Jackson's vision for the new Lady Lakers soccer program played a key role in her decision to play for Garrett College.

"Coach Jackson reached out and told me about the program," said Zack, who served as a team captain for the Lady Lakers. "He talked about starting a new team with a new [turf] field. Hearing about his coaching style and beliefs, I felt I wanted to come here and play for him."

"Cheyenne showcased resilience the entire season," said Jackson. "She played every minute of every match this year. I see big things ahead for Cheyenne next season as a sophomore."

Zack indicated playing for the first-year Lady Lakers was an interesting experience.

"It had its ups and downs, for sure," said Zack of playing for a first-year college sports team. "We were all coming in here not having a clue how it would work out. It didn't go exactly like we wanted, but I feel we all learned so much."

Garrett College's new multi-purpose turf field, originally expected to be ready by the end of August, wasn't completed until early October. Zack indicated the delay may have actually been a benefit for the team.

"Having to drive 20 minutes to practice made us so grateful to have the field when it was ready," said Zack. "It brought us much closer together as a team."

Weeks indicated the chance to play collegiate soccer was an added bonus for her.

"As a local student, I was already planning to come to Garrett," she said. "When I found out a women's soccer program was starting up, I thought it was a great opportunity. After high school, I really didn't think I was done playing."

"Sydney  is one of the nicest and hardest-working players I have ever coached," said Jackson. "I asked her to play in various positions and she always took the opportunity and ran with it. Sydney is the type of player that every team needs on their roster."

Weeks said being on the first squad to play on the new turf field "was a really cool experience" and felt the Lady Lakers "had a good season," which ended with a 1-0 loss to eventual NJCAA Division II Region 20 champion CCBC-Essex in the quarterfinals.

Jackson said the 2023 team laid a strong foundation for the future.

"I think," said Jackson, "there are big things to come for Garrett College women's soccer."