KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fifth-year defender Alyssa Malonson was named 2021 United Soccer Coaches Second Team All-America Thursday.
Malonson becomes the seventh player in Auburn history to earn All-America honors, including the first since Bri Folds in 2018. She is the fourth player to be named Second Team All-America, joining Rhonda Brooks in 2004, Katy Frierson in 2010 and Casie Ramsier in 2015.
"Alyssa had an absolutely incredible year, and we are thrilled to see her recognized on the All-America team," head coach Karen Hoppa said. "She came back to Auburn after being drafted, and she made the most of that extra year of eligibility. She was a key player in every one of our victories and was the top defender in our league.
"Alyssa is definitely ready to go pro, and we cannot wait to cheer her on at the next level," Hoppa added.
Malonson has already been named the 2021 SEC Defender of the Year and First Team All-SEC as well as earning United Soccer Coaches First Team All-Southeast Region honors. She finished her career a four-time All-SEC and two-time United Soccer Coaches All-Southeast Region honoree.
The Spring, Texas native completed her time on the Plains having played more games in an Auburn uniform than any other player. She set the program records for games played, games started and consecutive games started as she ultimately logged 97 straight starts in the Orange and Blue.
Despite making a position change midway through the season, Malonson was instrumental in leading the Tigers to seven shutouts, including a league-best five in SEC play. The 20th overall pick in last year's NWSL Draft, Malonson also pitched in by matching a career high with eight points on two goals and four assists. She finished her career tied for eighth in program history with 23 assists.