Maya Lawler, a Cranford resident and freshmen defender on the Women's Soccer team, was named to the NJCAA All-American 2nd Team. Being named All-American is one of the highest honors a collegiate athlete can earn in their sport. Lawler, though a defender, netted five goals this season, including three that were game winning goals and assisted on two others as well. She was also named Region XIX Co-Player of the Year.
Lawler accomplished a remarkable achievement by being the first NJCAA All-American in Union County College Women's Soccer history. The Women's Soccer program began in 2012 and ended with a record of 2-14. Now at the end of the team's 6th season, the program has done a complete 360 and finished in tournament playoffs with a record of 12-2-2. The remarkable transformation this season was credited to the hire of a new head coach, Angie Correia.
Next year, Lawler and 19 of her returning teammates are looking to finish want they started this year and make another push for the National Tournament.