Riedel Crowned SWAC Preseason Goalkeeper of the Year and First Team All-Conference Selection
uapblionsroar.com
PINE BLUFF, AR — Senior standout Makaila Riedel has been honored as the SWAC Preseason Goalkeeper of the Year and named to the First Team All-Conference, a testament to her dominance between the posts. Riedel is coming off a historic 2024 campaign in which she started all 15 matches, logged 1,336:06 minutes, and rewrote the Lady Lions’ record book by setting both the single-season and career marks for saves.
Her season was nothing short of remarkable and she finished the year leading the entire nation in total saves and saves per game, a feat that brought national recognition to her name and the UAPB program. For two straight weeks during the season, she held the No. 1 spot nationally in total saves before ultimately closing the year at the top of the leader board. Known for her lightning-quick reflexes, fearless command of her penalty area, and ability to make jaw-dropping stops in the most crucial moments, Riedel has become the backbone of the Lady Lions’ defense. Her preseason accolades reflect not only her record-setting past but also the high expectations for her to anchor UAPB’s back line in 2025 as one of the best goalkeepers in the country.
