.png&width=48&height=48&type=webp)
The University of Mississippi Athletics
Three Rebels Receive SEC Soccer Postseason Plaudits
11/12/2020 | Soccer
Orkus, Foster and Thomas Recognized by League’s Head Coaches
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – On Thursday, the Southeastern conference unveiled the 2020 soccer coaches' postseason awards, with Ole Miss' Ashley Orkus, Channing Foster and Chanel Thomas being recognized.
Rebel junior Ashley Orkus was a unanimous choice for the SEC Goalkeeper of the Year, receiving all 13 possible votes for the league's head coaches. Orkus also received First Team All-SEC distinction for the first time in her career, being joined on the first team by senior Channing Foster. Additionally, senior Chanel Thomas was bestowed with Co-Scholar-Athlete of the Year laurels, sharing the honor with South Carolina's Lauren Chang.
Orkus becomes Ole Miss' first-ever Goalkeeper of the Year honoree and just the second Rebel keeper to ever receive all-conference distinction. The Vestavia Hills, Alabama, native finished the fall regular season ranked second in the SEC in saves with 49 and save percentage at .817. In addition to her outstanding play on the defensive side, the Rebel keeper also contributed to the offense with three assists, tied for fourth most in the league and 18th in the nation.
Foster picks up her second-consecutive First Team All-SEC nod, adding to a pair of second team honors in 2017 and 2018. The Murray, Kentucky, product becomes the second Rebel to earn All-SEC honors four times in her career, joining Ole Miss great Danielle Johnson. Foster tied for sixth in the SEC with three goals during the regular season, saving her scoring for the biggest moments with three game-winners. The SEC's active leader, Foster ranks sixth all-time at Ole Miss in scoring, finding the back of the net 33 total times.
The consummate example of what it means to be a student-athlete, Thomas has been getting it done both on the pitch and in the classroom throughout her four seasons at Ole Miss, needing just three years to graduate with her bachelor's degree. The native Arizonan is the fourth Rebel to be named the SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year and the first since Rafaelle Souza in 2013. A regular on the Rebel back line, Thomas' academic laurels include the University of Mississippi's Taylor Medal, the Outstanding Undergraduate Managerial Finance Student Award and being named a finalist for the Arthur Ashe Jr. National Sports Scholar of the Year.
With the regular season completed, Orkus, Foster, Thomas and their Rebel teammates have turned their focus to the SEC Tournament. The sixth seed, Ole Miss will open up its tournament run on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. in Orange Beach, Alabama, taking on the winner of No. 14 seed LSU versus No. 11 seed Alabama.
Keep up with all the latest news and information on the Rebels by following Ole Miss Soccer on Twitter at @OleMissSoccer, on Facebook at Facebook.com/OleMissSoccer, and on Instagram at Instagram.com/officialolemisssoccer. Also, follow head coach Matt Mott on Twitter at @CoachMattMott.
Rebel junior Ashley Orkus was a unanimous choice for the SEC Goalkeeper of the Year, receiving all 13 possible votes for the league's head coaches. Orkus also received First Team All-SEC distinction for the first time in her career, being joined on the first team by senior Channing Foster. Additionally, senior Chanel Thomas was bestowed with Co-Scholar-Athlete of the Year laurels, sharing the honor with South Carolina's Lauren Chang.
Orkus becomes Ole Miss' first-ever Goalkeeper of the Year honoree and just the second Rebel keeper to ever receive all-conference distinction. The Vestavia Hills, Alabama, native finished the fall regular season ranked second in the SEC in saves with 49 and save percentage at .817. In addition to her outstanding play on the defensive side, the Rebel keeper also contributed to the offense with three assists, tied for fourth most in the league and 18th in the nation.
Foster picks up her second-consecutive First Team All-SEC nod, adding to a pair of second team honors in 2017 and 2018. The Murray, Kentucky, product becomes the second Rebel to earn All-SEC honors four times in her career, joining Ole Miss great Danielle Johnson. Foster tied for sixth in the SEC with three goals during the regular season, saving her scoring for the biggest moments with three game-winners. The SEC's active leader, Foster ranks sixth all-time at Ole Miss in scoring, finding the back of the net 33 total times.
The consummate example of what it means to be a student-athlete, Thomas has been getting it done both on the pitch and in the classroom throughout her four seasons at Ole Miss, needing just three years to graduate with her bachelor's degree. The native Arizonan is the fourth Rebel to be named the SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year and the first since Rafaelle Souza in 2013. A regular on the Rebel back line, Thomas' academic laurels include the University of Mississippi's Taylor Medal, the Outstanding Undergraduate Managerial Finance Student Award and being named a finalist for the Arthur Ashe Jr. National Sports Scholar of the Year.
With the regular season completed, Orkus, Foster, Thomas and their Rebel teammates have turned their focus to the SEC Tournament. The sixth seed, Ole Miss will open up its tournament run on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. in Orange Beach, Alabama, taking on the winner of No. 14 seed LSU versus No. 11 seed Alabama.
Keep up with all the latest news and information on the Rebels by following Ole Miss Soccer on Twitter at @OleMissSoccer, on Facebook at Facebook.com/OleMissSoccer, and on Instagram at Instagram.com/officialolemisssoccer. Also, follow head coach Matt Mott on Twitter at @CoachMattMott.
Players Mentioned
Sidney O'Billovich Named SEC Defensive Player of the Week
Monday, September 15
HIGHLIGHTS: Soccer vs. Auburn (9/12/25)
Friday, September 12
HIGHLIGHTS: Soccer vs. Louisiana (9/4/25)
Thursday, September 04
HIGHLIGHTS: Soccer vs. UT Martin (8/28/25)
Thursday, August 28