St. Thomas sophomore goalkeeper Olivia Graupmann was named the TicketSmarter Summit League Defensive Player of the Week for women’s soccer, a Summit League news release said. This makes her the first Tommie Athlete of the Week in the Division I era.

Graupmann made her comeback after a shortened last season in the MIAC by helping the Tommies (1-2-1) clinch their first Division I victory against Chicago State with a shutout.

“It’s cool to be the first team to win a game, especially so early in the season,” Graupmann said. “A lot of people texted us and tweeted at us and that was really exciting.”

As a first-year, Graupmann played in two games with three saves and no goals allowed. She’s continued the shutout streak this season playing over 200 minutes in the Tommies’ first two games. She saved nine shots against the University of Northern Iowa on Aug. 24.

Graupmann, who received the award on Aug. 30, said she felt honored to be recognized for her success on the field but owes her success to the team.

“Someone sent it in our group chat and I had no idea but I’m super grateful,” Graupmann said. “It’s awesome to have my picture up there and get this honor but if it wasn’t for my backline, coaches and teammates I wouldn’t have been in the running for this recognition.”

Coach Sheila McGill has noticed the confidence and growth of Graupmann since joining the team in 2020.

“All the girls are growing and learning and it’s exciting as a sophomore she’s where she is,” McGill said. “Moving forward, we’re able to continue and focus on training in order to prepare her for the upcoming games and seasons.”

McGill is ready for more success in the team’s future as they are scheduled to play the University of Wyoming on Tuesday, Sept. 7 at South Field.

“We have been rewarded for the hard work we have been putting in and it helps motivate us now to make things happen in the future,” McGill said.

Olivia Paradise can be reached at para4336@stthomas.edu.