Morgan Marlborough, Nebraska: What an explosion! That’s the best way to describe Marlborough’s arrival during a first year that saw her dominate the Big 12 in much the same way she did during a youth career that included breaking the Kansas State scoring record.

Marlborough’s newest distinction is that she’s the first Big 12 freshman ever to receive a Player of the Year Award. She was a no-brainer selection after leading the conference with 21 goals (six more than anyone else), 49 points and 87 shots. She already has a combination of physical size and skill that few can match and it’s hard to imagine how much more she can accomplish in Year Two.

Adrianna Franch, Oklahoma State

Adrianna Franch, Oklahoma State: The best defense in the conference belonged to the Cowboys, and this tough, athletic goalkeeper was a big reason why. A former Kansas ODP standout, Franch led the Big 12 in goals against average, save percentage and shutouts, with an astounding 11.

She lost out on the Defensive Player of the Year Award to Missouri’s Crystal Wagner - a great player in her own right - and we’re tempted to believe it’s because the Big 12 didn’t want freshmen stealing all the important hardware.

Carson Michalowski, Oklahoma State: While Franch anchored the defense she certainly didn’t earn all those shutouts on her own. Michalowski was a vital member of the backline who teamed well with veterans like first-team all conference back Melinda Mercado.

A product of the Dallas Texans, Michalowksi is very mature and technical. She played a lot of meaningful soccer prior to arriving on campus and helped lead Oklahoma State into the second round of the NCAA tournament. She also has an ability to get forward, and contributed three goals on the season.

Amy Barczuk, Colorado: Another great defender, Barczuk was physically prepared to compete with the best of ’em the moment she showed up, which is a big hurdle for most freshmen. At 5-foot-10 she brings great height and the ability to direct the game through the air.

But she’s more than just height; Barczuk is mobile and a great athlete. She was heavily recruited for basketball as well and coach Bill Hempen should thank his lucky stars that Barczuk made the choice that she did.

Whitney Berry, Kansas: Berry is a local and focal point of the Jayhawks’ attack. Average size, but resourceful, she’s capable of finishing or setting up her teammates. She finished third on the team in points but will likely move into a more prominent role now that valuable midfielder Monica Dolinsky has graduated.

Berry’s aggressive nature will serve her well and should help Kansas improve in the standings department.