MADISON, Wis. – Four members of the UW-River Falls women's soccer team earned recognition from the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) as the league announced its 2026 postseason awards.

Valerie Leonard was named to the All-WIAC Team, while Emery Bigler and Ellie Ketcher received All-WIAC Honorable Mention recognition. Gabby Kempf represented the Falcons on the WIAC All-Sportsmanship Team.

Leonard earns her third consecutive All-WIAC recognition after receiving First Team honors in 2025 and Honorable Mention accolades in 2024. A key presence on the Falcons' defensive unit, Leonard started all 17 matches during the 2026 season. She played a total of 1,384 minutes, helping anchor a UWRF back line that recorded seven shutouts. The Falcons held opponents scoreless in four WIAC contests, including three consecutive shutouts against UW-Platteville, UW-Stevens Point and UW-Stout. Leonard added seven shots, including two on goal for the Falcons this season. 

Bigler collects her second consecutive All-WIAC honor after earning First Team recognition in 2025. She led the Falcons with 16 points during the 2026 campaign, totaling four goals and eight assists. Her eight assists ranked third among WIAC players across the regular season. During conference play, Bigler ranked fourth in the WIAC with 3.57 shots per game and fifth with 1.43 shots on goal per game. She finished the season with a team-high 52 shots, including 21 on goal, while starting in all 17 matches.

Ketcher earns her third consecutive All-WIAC recognition after receiving First Team honors in both 2024 and 2025. She led UW-River Falls in scoring with seven goals during the 2026 season, ranking seventh among WIAC players across all competitions. Her two game-winning goals ranked sixth in the conference, while her 14 points were second-most on the Falcon roster. Ketcher started and appeared in 15 matches, recording 32 shots with 15 on goal. She highlighted her season with a hat trick in the Falcons' 4-2 victory over St. Norbert College on Oct. 14.

Kempf was named to the WIAC All-Sportsmanship Team. Kempf appeared in all 17 matches for the Falcons, recording two assists, six shots and two shots on goal. Her presence in the midfield helped UW-River Falls finish the season with a 7-5-5 overall record. 

The Falcons concluded their 2026 campaign with a 7-5-5 overall record and a 0-3-4 mark in WIAC play, recording seven nonconference victories and four conference draws.