BIRMINGHAM, Ala. | Five Jackson State soccer players earned Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) postseason honors the conference office announced Wednesday evening. Kianah Farmer, Ryannne Hawthorn-Harper, and Sarah Portis earned First Team recognition, and Makayla Sturkey and Taylor Osborn were tabbed Second Team.

Farmer delivered an impressive junior season, starting all 17 matches and logging 1,430 minutes on the pitch in the defender and goalkeeper positions. Farmer finished the year with two goals, one assist and seven points while registering 17 shots, including 12 on goal, for a .706 shots-on-goal percentage. She also recorded one game-winning goal.

The versatile defender elevated her performance during conference play, starting all eight SWAC matches and totaling 695 minutes. She recorded all of her goals against conference opponents, finishing with six points, 14 shots and 11 shots on goal. Her .786 shots-on-goal percentage highlighted her offensive efficiency while maintaining a strong defensive presence for the Tigers.

One of Farmer's standout performances came in Jackson State's 3-0 victory over Southern. She played all 90 minutes and opened the scoring in the 38th minute, helping the Tigers secure a shutout victory to begin conference play. Her performance earned her SWAC weekly honors, marking her second conference weekly recognition of the season.

Hawthorn-Harper established herself as one of the Tigers' most dynamic playmakers while helping lead JSU to its second consecutive SWAC regular-season championship during the 2026 season. She led Jackson State offensively, finishing with a team-high nine goals, three assists and 21 points. She registered 35 shots, including 21 on goal, for a .600 shots-on-goal percentage. Her five game-winning goals further highlighted her ability to deliver in crucial moments for the Tigers.

Hawthorn-Harper continued her strong performance during conference play, starting all seven SWAC matches in which she appeared and totaling 612 minutes. She recorded four goals, one assist and nine points against conference opponents while registering 17 shots, including 11 on goal. Her two game-winning goals during SWAC competition helped Jackson State complete an unbeaten 5-0-3 conference campaign.

The graduate student made her presence felt throughout the season, particularly during Jackson State's victories over Austin Peay and Middle Tennessee. Hawthorn-Harper scored in both contests, including a 74th-minute goal against Austin Peay and a 47th-minute goal against Middle Tennessee, helping the Tigers secure consecutive victories. Her performances earned her SWAC Offensive Player of the Week honors on September 22.

Hawthorn-Harper also garnered national recognition for her offensive production. In the NCAA statistical rankings, she ranks 13th nationally in game-winning goals, 23rd in shot accuracy, further solidifying her status as one of the conference's top performers. Her offensive contributions proved instrumental throughout Jackson State's championship campaign. Leading the Tigers in goals, points, shots, shots on goal and game-winning goals, Hawthorn-Harper provided a consistent scoring threat while helping JSU capture another SWAC regular-season title.

Portis delivered a strong senior campaign, appearing in 12 matches with 11 starts while logging 954 minutes on the pitch. Portis finished the season with four goals, one assist and nine points, ranking third on the team in scoring. She registered 25 shots, including 15 on goal, for a .600 shots-on-goal percentage.

Portis made her presence felt early in the season, scoring three goals during nonconference competition. She found the back of the net in Jackson State's 5-1 victory over Delta State on September 7 before adding another goal against Stephen F. Austin on September 13. She continued her offensive production with a goal in the Tigers' 3-1 victory over Austin Peay on September 18, helping JSU secure its second win of the season.

During conference play, Portis appeared in seven matches with six starts, totaling 516 minutes. She registered one goal, one assist and three points while recording 13 shots, including eight on goal, for a .615 shots-on-goal percentage.

Her contributions proved valuable in Jackson State's unbeaten conference campaign. Portis recorded an assist in the Tigers' 2-1 road victory over Grambling State on October 8, helping JSU secure an important conference win. Just three days later, she added her fourth goal of the season in Jackson State's dominant 6-0 shutout victory over Arkansas-Pine Bluff on October 11.

Portis' versatility and offensive production helped Jackson State finish SWAC competition with an unbeaten 5-0-3 record and secure its second consecutive regular-season championship. Her four goals tied for third on the team, while her 25 shots and 15 shots on goal ranked second among the Tigers.

Sturkey appeared in 16 matches with 15 starts while logging 1,144 minutes on the pitch. Sturkey finished the season with two goals and four points, registering five shots, including three on goal, for a .600 shots-on-goal percentage.

Sturkey's impact extended beyond the stat sheet, as she became a reliable presence on Jackson State's back line. Her defensive leadership and ability to limit opposing scoring opportunities helped the Tigers navigate a competitive schedule and remain unbeaten throughout conference play.

One of Sturkey's standout stretches came during Jackson State's victories over Austin Peay and Middle Tennessee in September. The junior anchored the Tigers' defensive unit, making key tackles and contributing a team save as JSU secured consecutive victories. Her efforts earned her SWAC Defensive Player of the Week honors on September 22, marking her first weekly conference recognition of the season.

Sturkey continued her strong play during SWAC competition, appearing in all eight conference matches with seven starts while totaling 558 minutes. She recorded both of her season goals against conference opponents, finishing with four points, five shots and three shots on goal.

The junior showcased her offensive versatility in Jackson State's dominant 6-0 road victory over Arkansas-Pine Bluff on October 11, finding the back of the net for her first goal of the season. She followed with another goal in the Tigers' 5-0 shutout victory over Alabama A&M on October 18, helping JSU continue its unbeaten conference run.

Osborn delivered another stellar season between the posts, appearing in and starting 11 matches while logging 990 minutes in goal. Osborn compiled a 7-1-3 record, recording 57 saves, six shutouts and an impressive .864 save percentage. She allowed just nine goals throughout the season, finishing with a 0.82 goals-against average.

Osborn's defensive presence proved instrumental during conference play, where she helped the Tigers remain unbeaten with a 5-0-3 SWAC record. In eight conference matches, she registered 29 saves, six shutouts and a remarkable .906 save percentage while surrendering just three goals. Her 0.38 goals-against average against SWAC opponents highlighted her dominance in goal.

The sophomore also earned four SWAC Goalkeeper of the Week honors throughout the season, further solidifying her status as one of the conference's premier goalkeepers. Her performances garnered national recognition, including a No. 16 ranking in save percentage (.864).

Up Next
The Jackson State soccer team will enter the 2026 SWAC Soccer Tournament as te No.1 overall seed. The Tigers will face Prairie View A&M on Thursday at the PV Soccer Complex. Kick off is set for 10 a.m. on SWAC TV.

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