Alyssa Malonson was chosen by United Soccer Coaches All-America

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fifth year defender Alyssa Malonson was named United Soccer Coaches Second Team All-America Thursday of 2021.

Malonson will become the seventh player in Auburn history to earn All-America honors, including the first player after Bri Folds in 2018. He is the fourth player to be named an All-America, joining Rhonda Brooks in 2004, Katy Frierson in 2010 and Casieen. Ramsier in 2015.

“Alysa had an absolutely amazing year and we’re excited to see her recognized on the All-America team,” head coach Karen Hoppa said. “He returned to Auburn after the draft, and he took full advantage of that extra qualifying year. He was a key player in every one of our victories and was the best defender in our league.

“Alyssa is definitely ready to go professional, and we can’t expect to get to encourage her at the next level,” Hoppa added.

Malonson has already been named the 2021 SEC Defender of the Year and First Team All-SEC and has earned the United Soccer Coaches First Team All-Southeast Region honor. He ended his career as a four-time All-SEC and two-time United Soccer Coaches All-Southeast Region.

A native of Spring, Texas ended up on the plains after playing more games in Auburn costume than any other player. He set program records in games played, starts, and consecutive games when he finally recorded 97 live starts in Orange and Blue.

Despite a change of position in the middle of the season, Malonson led the Tigers to seven shutouts, including the league’s top five in the SEC game. Malonson, who was 20th overall in last year’s NWSL draft, also set a career record with two goals and four assists. He ended his career with 23 passes divided into eighth in program history.