CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Blinn College sophomore goalkeeper Hope Hillhouse (Amarillo) was named NJCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Goalkeeper of the Week for her outstanding performance in Week 3 of the 2020-21 season.
Hillhouse recorded seven saves against No. 1 Tyler Junior College, then helped lead Blinn to a 2-0 shutout victory against Ranger College with five saves.
“I feel extremely honored to represent my team and the soccer program here at Blinn College,” Hillhouse said. “My favorite part of competing last week was being engaged in each game. I enjoy playing goalkeeper because I am able to have a different perspective on the game as a whole, and get the opportunity to really communicate with my teammates and help us build from the defensive half to get better opportunities up top.”
Blinn has a 3-2 overall record and 2-2 conference record.
“She is a very determined student athlete, and to get that recognition is absolutely tremendous and I couldn’t be happier,” head coach Michael McBride said. “In the second half against Tyler, she was very good and made a big difference, and you can’t beat a clean sheet against Ranger. She has played every minute in every game and her experience has definitely helped out the team”
Hillhouse has started in every game for the Buccaneers and recorded two shutouts in five games. She has totaled 19 saves and boasts a .704 save percentage.
Hillhouse is the fourth Buccaneer athlete to earn player of the week honors this season. Jayde Shelton (San Diego) was named the Tachikara NJCAA DI Volleyball Offensive Player of the Week in Week 7, Marco Rodriguez Jr. (Rosenberg) was named the NJCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Player of the Week in Week 1, and Dylan Theut (Fulshear) was named the NJCAA Division I Baseball Pitcher of the Week in Week 10.
Next, the Buccaneers will take on No. 13 Louisiana State University-Eunice today at 5 p.m. at Cub Stadium. The game will be Blinn’s Sophomore Day.
Blinn has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and captured 42 NJCAA national championships since 1987.
