Official CSC Release

TACOMA, Wash. — Pacific Lutheran University women's soccer goalkeeper Abby Winkler has proven to be one of the best on the field and in the classroom. On Wednesday, Winkler was one of 33 student-athletes from around the nation to be recognized by College Sports Communicators as an Academic All-American.

Winkler earns First Team Academic All-American honors, becoming the first PLU women's soccer player to earn First Team honors in school history. The Portland, Oregon native is the third PLU women's soccer player to secure CSC Academic All-American status with Takara Mitsui (3rd Team in 2015 & 2nd Team inn 2016) and Ella Merte (3rd Team in 2022 & 2nd Team in 2023) the only other Lutes to land the prestigious honor. 

Winkler was one of just three student-athletes from the West Coast to make the cut as an Academic All-American and the only from the Northwest Conference. All told, 33 student-athletes were honored in NCAA Division III, including 12 on the First Team, 10 on the Second Team, and 11 on the Third Team.

A biology major, Winkler carries a perfect 4.0 grade point average. In addition to excelling in the classroom, Winkler is one of the best goalkeepers to ever suit up for the Lutes. Named First Team All-NWC, CSC Academic All-District, and Third Team All-District from United Soccer Coaches (USC), Winkler had 11 shutouts this fall, starting all 20 games and boasting a 0.36 goals against average.

The senior finished her career ranked fourth in minutes played by a goalkeeper (5,793), fifth in goals against average (0.58), and seventh in saves (245) while racking up 30 career shutouts. Winkler additionally helped the Lutes win four consecutive NWC titles and make three trips to the NCAA Division III Tournament. 

Pacific Lutheran captured a share of its ninth consecutive NWC title this fall, closing the season with a 12-2-6 overall record and a 12-0-4 mark in conference play.