Texas Tech Soccer Honored by Big 12, Led by Defender of the Year Macy Blackburn

IRVING, TX — Texas Tech women's soccer saw eight players earn Big 12 Conference honors on Tuesday, October 29, highlighted by defender Macy Blackburn’s selection as Big 12 Defender of the Year and her second career First Team All-Big 12 recognition. Blackburn, who was a unanimous first-team choice, is the third player in program history to earn the Defensive Player of the Year award.

Blackburn, Texas Tech's all-time leader in assists, added two goals and a team-best seven assists this season, sparking the Red Raiders’ 11-1-2 run with her presence in the lineup. Her return from injury marked a strong stretch for Texas Tech, securing their place among the Big 12’s top teams.

Joining Blackburn on the First Team All-Big 12 were goalkeeper Faith Nguyen, midfielder Peyton Parsons, and forward Ashleigh Williams.

First Team All-Big 12 Honorees

• Faith Nguyen had an outstanding debut season, recording 10 shutouts in 16 starts and earning two Big 12 Goalkeeper of the Week titles. Her .701 goals-against average ranks second in the conference, and her 10 clean sheets are the fifth-most in Texas Tech history for a single season.

• Peyton Parsons led the Red Raiders with nine goals and four game-winning goals, including crucial scores against West Virginia and Cincinnati. She also recorded a team-high 55 shots, further establishing herself as a vital part of Texas Tech’s offensive power.

• Ashleigh Williams, already one of the most decorated forwards in program history, scored five goals in 2024, with four coming in Big 12 play. She now ranks fourth in both all-time points and goals at Texas Tech, with 16 game-winning goals.

Texas Tech’s four First Team All-Big 12 selections were the second-most in the conference.

Second Team All-Big 12 Honorees

• Cassie Taylor helped anchor a Texas Tech defense that allowed just 11 goals all season. Taylor’s efforts helped the team record 12 shutouts, positioning Texas Tech as one of only three teams nationally to allow fewer than 15 goals in consecutive seasons.

• Jillian Martinez was instrumental in Texas Tech’s 40-goal season, adding two assists and contributing over 1,000 minutes in midfield. Her ability to support both offense and defense provided stability and balance to the Red Raiders.

• Taylor Zdrojewski, a forward who returned from a severe 2022 injury, tallied eight goals and four assists this season. She led Texas Tech in shots on goal and was a critical scorer, as the team went 6-1 in matches where she found the net.

All-Freshman Team Honoree

• Peyton Dyess emerged as a promising talent, recording one goal and two assists in her 14 appearances. Her goal against Houston on Sept. 29 contributed to a 2-0 victory for Texas Tech, marking an important milestone in her first collegiate season.

Texas Tech’s eight total honorees were the second-highest in the Big 12, trailing only TCU’s 10. The Red Raiders’ depth and talent have propelled them into the postseason, where they will compete in the 2024 Sprouts Farmers’ Market Big 12 Championships. Their first match is set for Saturday at 5:30 p.m. against the winner of Arizona and Baylor at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City.