Karakostas, Blinn named AUS Women's Soccer All-Stars

Saint Mary's Huskies midfielder Anelise Karakostas (Victoria, BC) has been named an AUS First Team All-Star, while defender Madlyn Blinn (Lower Sackville, NS) has been named an AUS Second Team All-Star.

A fourth-year arts major, Anelise Karakostas started all 12 games for the Huskies, leading the team in goals (5), points (6) and finishing second in shots (32) and shots on goal (19). Her five goals tied her for eighth in the conference, and her three game-winning-goals tied for first in the conference. 

"We are so proud of Anelise Karakostas for everything she does for this program and for the amazing person she is, both on and off the field," says Huskies head coach Marisa Colzie. "She came back this season after a slow recovery from a chronic back injury and her impact has been felt throughout our team. Anelise deserves this honour for her hard work, dedication, leadership, and willingness to go the extra mile. She had a great summer in BC League One and she brought that form into camp and it has carried throughout the season. She is a game changer and we are lucky to call her captain."

This marks Karakostas' second AUS All-Star selection, as she was named a Second Team All-Star in 2018, and was also named to the U SPORTS All-Rookie Team that season.

A second-year science major, Madlyn Blinn started all 12 games for the Huskies. The centreback recorded two assists on the season, and finished three on the Huskies in shots with 16. Her consistent defensive play combined with her ability to deliver quality free kicks and corner kicks made Blinn one of the most valuable defenders in the league.

"Madlyn Blinn has always been a top player but she took her game to another level this season and found her home at centreback for us," says Huskies head coach Marisa Colzie. "Maddie's hard work, focus, dedication, and leadership on the backline has helped our team earn a spot at AUS playoffs and her competitiveness is inspiring. Maddie is fast, strong, and explosive and with two AUS seasons under her belt we are just seeing the start of an amazing career. Her ability to win balls out of the air and close down top strikers keeps us in games and I am so proud of her and all she has accomplished this season.

Karakostas and Blinn helped lead the Huskies to a 5-4-3 regular season record, and qualify for their first playoff appearance since 2018. The Huskies now head to the AUS Women's Soccer Championships in Wolfville, NS, where they will face the #4 seed St. FX X-Women in the quarterfinal, Wednesday at 3 p.m. Atlantic.

Click here for the full list of AUS Women's Soccer Award Winners and All-Stars.