ELON – Elon freshman
Nicole Kleyner earned CAA Rookie of the Week honors Monday as the conference unveiled its first weekly women's soccer awards of the 2026 season.
The rookie midfielder scored her first career goal in Elon's season opener against VCU. Kleyner entered the match in the 23rd minute and logged 51 reserve minutes for the Phoenix. In the 48th minute, Kleyner netted Elon's third of four goals in a 4-1 win, firing a loose ball in the box past VCU's goalkeeper.
Kleyner became the first Elon freshman to score a goal in a season opener since
Gabby Hoschek and
Lauren McCauley both converted against Howard in 2023. She is the first Phoenix to win CAA Rookie of the Week since
Katie Bisgrove in Sept. 2024.
Elon will play a pair of road matches this week, beginning with a trip to South Carolina State on Thursday. The Phoenix will then head to Raleigh on Sunday to face NC State.
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