Northwestern State sophomore defender Jackie Strug was named the 2012 Louisiana Sports Writers Association All-Louisiana Collegiate Women’s Soccer Newcomer of the Year, as announced by the association Saturday.

“This honor for Jackie means a lot to her and the team,” said head coach George Van Linder. “She stepped into a big role, and played with poise.”

After completing a season at Texas Tech, Strug proved to be an asset for the Lady Demons as she anchored the back line, notching three goals on the season.

“We’re really excited to have Jackie with us, and we look forward to seeing her become even better as a player and as a person,” said Van Linder.

Strug started in all 18 contests for NSU, and played a key role when the Lady Demons took on Central Arkansas to a 0-0 double-overtime tie in the Southland Conference season opener. At the time, UCA led the nation in scoring and played host to the nation’s leading goal scorer, Adriana Lucar.

Strug earned her first collegiate goal against Texas Southern en route to the first win of the season. She scored her second goal on a penalty kick against Arkansas-Little Rock.

Her final goal of 2012 came on a free kick from 25 yards out against Grambling, which contributed to a four-game winning streak for the Lady Demons. She took 17 shots with 10 on goal over the season.