Kaitlyn Pope Earns Historic 2nd Team All-Conference Honors

Knoxville, TN- In a groundbreaking achievement for Johnson University, goalkeeper Kaitlyn Pope has been named to the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) 2nd Team All-Conference. This accolade is particularly special as Pope becomes the first player in Lady Royals soccer history to receive All-Conference honors, marking a season that will be remembered as a defining moment for both Pope and the team.

Pope's outstanding performance this season was the backbone of an impressive 8-3-6 overall record and a 7-2-4 conference record, which propelled the Lady Royals to a top-five finish in the AAC standings. Her consistency in goal yielded nine shutouts, an achievement that reflects her talent, tactical awareness, and leadership on the field. In each game, Pope's skill and commitment helped set the tone for a defense that consistently frustrated opponents, showing both resilience and cohesion under pressure.

The Lady Royals entered the season as underdogs, projected to finish 11th in the conference rankings. However, with Pope leading the way, the team exceeded expectations in remarkable fashion, securing a spot in the AAC postseason for the first time in program history. This impressive turnaround demonstrates the growing strength of the Lady Royals program, which is quickly establishing itself as a competitive force within the conference. Pope's standout season not only kept her team in every game but also inspired her teammates to elevate their play.

The impact of Pope's season extends beyond statistics. Her presence in goal has instilled confidence throughout the roster, allowing the Lady Royals to play with an aggressive but controlled style that has left a mark on the conference. Pope's poise and leadership have been pivotal in building a new era for Lady Royals soccer, one characterized by grit, teamwork, and an undeniable will to succeed.

Earning a spot on the AAC 2nd Team All-Conference is a fitting recognition for Kaitlyn Pope's efforts, and it underscores her role in shaping the future of the Lady Royals program. Her historic achievement is a testament not only to her dedication and talent but also to the growing strength of the team as they continue to build on this season's successes. With her legacy set in place, Pope has laid the groundwork for future players to reach new heights and push Johnson University's Lady Royals to even greater accomplishments in the years to come.