Jenika Cuocco, Northwestern's graduate student goalkeeper, has been named IWLCA National Defensive Player of the Week following impressive performances in the Big Ten Tournament. She recorded 27 saves, achieving a 65.9% save percentage during the tournament, helping the Wildcats clinch their fourth consecutive conference title. Cuocco not only set a new single-game saves record with 18 saves in the championship match against Maryland but also ranks seventh nationally for saves this season with 161.

By the Numbers
  • 27 total saves during the Big Ten Tournament.
  • 18 saves in the championship game, tying the Big Ten Tournament record.
  • Ranked No. 7 in the nation in saves with 161.
  • Save percentage of 51.6% this season.
State of Play
  • Cuocco is the first NU goalie to have over 160 saves in a season since 2022.
  • She is eight saves shy of the program record of 169.
  • Will compete in her first NCAA Tournament since 2024.
What's Next

Cuocco and the Wildcats will await their NCAA Tournament seeding announcement on May 3, aiming to capitalize on their recent momentum and strong defensive performance.

Bottom Line

Cuocco's outstanding performance not only cements her status as a key player for Northwestern but also highlights the Wildcats' competitive edge heading into the NCAA Tournament.