IRVING, Texas – Iowa State redshirt freshman Avery Gillahan has been named the Big 12 Freshman of the Week for her performances across the first week of action.

Gillahan had big shoes to fill as she replaced program legend Jordan Silkowitz who was drafted into the NWSL this past winter.

In her first-ever week of collegiate action, Gillahan allowed just one goal across two matches. Gillahan earned her first clean sheet against Northern Colorado as her prowess in the net helped lead ISU to a 1-0 win over the Bears.

Gillahan played all 180 possible minutes for the Cyclones over the week, tallying three saves. Iowa State is 2-0 for the first time since 2015 and the Cyclone defense, anchored by Gillahan, is a big reason why.

She is the first Cyclone to win Big 12 Freshman of the Week honors since teammate Lauren McConnell did so in 2021. Gillahan is just the seventh ISU player to earn the award, joining the likes of Anna Lindgren, Olivia Edwards, Mira Emma, Hannah Cade and Klasey Medelberg.

ISU will be back in action on Thursday, August 24, when it heads to Iowa City to face off with the Iowa Hawkeyes in the first action of the 2023 Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series.

Big 12 Weekly Award Winners 

Offensive Player of the Week: Emma Hawkins (OU) & Trinity Byars (UT)

Defensive Player of the Week: Kendell Petersen (BYU) & Jazmin Brown (KSU)

Goalkeeper of the Week: Melania Pasar (KU)

Freshman of the Week: Avery Gillahan