DePaul University Athletics
Senior Core Poised to Lead Women’s Soccer in 2026
5/4/2026 4:57:00 PM | WOMEN'S SOCCER
Senior class prepares for final fall campaign
CHICAGO – DePaul women's soccer seniors Mackenzie Lee, Shayna da Silva, Mya Gardner, Danielle Fjeldsted, Mason Hillery and Kristen Schwartz are set to return for the 2026 season, head coach Michele O'Brien announced.
The six-member senior class has spent its entire collegiate career at DePaul, providing continuity and leadership within an evolving college soccer landscape. Since arriving in Lincoln Park, the group has helped build the program's foundation, contributing to DePaul's BIG EAST postseason success and sustained academic excellence.
"This group is special because they have continued to choose DePaul throughout their careers," said O'Brien. "They have grown together, supported one another and helped shape the direction of our program."
A constant presence in DePaul's midfield, Fjeldsted enters her final season among the program's most experienced players. A team captain in 2025, the Hawthorn Woods, Ill., native has appeared in 50 career matches with 43 starts, totaling over 3,500 minutes. She has recorded three goals and an assist while earning two CSC Academic All-District selections and multiple BIG EAST All-Academic Team honors.
Providing versatility in the attack, da Silva has played in 46 career matches, totaling over 1,600 minutes. The Evanston, Ill., native has registered one goal and five assists with nine shots on goal, continuing to impact the Blue Demons' offensive build. She is a two-time BIG EAST All-Academic Team selection.
Gardner has contributed to DePaul's attacking unit throughout her career, appearing in 30 matches with 12 starts and nearly 1,200 minutes. The Batavia, Ill., native has tallied four goals and two assists on 22 shots, contributing in key moments during her time in Lincoln Park. She is a two-time BIG EAST All-Academic Team honoree.
Lee has been a consistent option off the bench, appearing in 19 career matches and logging over 300 minutes. The Issaquah, Wash., native has provided depth and reliability while earning multiple BIG EAST All-Academic Team selections.
On the back line, Schwartz has appeared in 24 career matches with 20 starts, totaling more than 1,700 minutes. She opened her career by starting all 17 matches as a freshman and has remained an experienced presence defensively. Schwartz is a two-time BIG EAST All-Academic Team selection and recipient of the Bob Neu Memorial Endowed Scholarship.
In goal, Hillery saw extended action during the 2025 season, starting 11 matches and logging 871 minutes. The Plainfield, Ill., native recorded 29 saves with a .674 save percentage and a 1.45 goals-against average while earning three wins and contributing to two combined shutouts. A two-time BIG EAST All-Academic Team honoree, Hillery brings experience to DePaul's goalkeeping unit entering her final season.
As a group, the six returners have upheld the program's academic standard, each earning multiple BIG EAST All-Academic Team selections. DePaul women's soccer also captured the BIG EAST Team Academic Excellence Award for the third-straight season in 2024-25.
FOLLOW THE BLUE DEMONS
For all the latest information on DePaul Women's Soccer, visit DePaulBlueDemons.com. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow the Blue Demons on Facebook, Instagram, X.
The six-member senior class has spent its entire collegiate career at DePaul, providing continuity and leadership within an evolving college soccer landscape. Since arriving in Lincoln Park, the group has helped build the program's foundation, contributing to DePaul's BIG EAST postseason success and sustained academic excellence.
"This group is special because they have continued to choose DePaul throughout their careers," said O'Brien. "They have grown together, supported one another and helped shape the direction of our program."
A constant presence in DePaul's midfield, Fjeldsted enters her final season among the program's most experienced players. A team captain in 2025, the Hawthorn Woods, Ill., native has appeared in 50 career matches with 43 starts, totaling over 3,500 minutes. She has recorded three goals and an assist while earning two CSC Academic All-District selections and multiple BIG EAST All-Academic Team honors.
Providing versatility in the attack, da Silva has played in 46 career matches, totaling over 1,600 minutes. The Evanston, Ill., native has registered one goal and five assists with nine shots on goal, continuing to impact the Blue Demons' offensive build. She is a two-time BIG EAST All-Academic Team selection.
Gardner has contributed to DePaul's attacking unit throughout her career, appearing in 30 matches with 12 starts and nearly 1,200 minutes. The Batavia, Ill., native has tallied four goals and two assists on 22 shots, contributing in key moments during her time in Lincoln Park. She is a two-time BIG EAST All-Academic Team honoree.
Lee has been a consistent option off the bench, appearing in 19 career matches and logging over 300 minutes. The Issaquah, Wash., native has provided depth and reliability while earning multiple BIG EAST All-Academic Team selections.
On the back line, Schwartz has appeared in 24 career matches with 20 starts, totaling more than 1,700 minutes. She opened her career by starting all 17 matches as a freshman and has remained an experienced presence defensively. Schwartz is a two-time BIG EAST All-Academic Team selection and recipient of the Bob Neu Memorial Endowed Scholarship.
In goal, Hillery saw extended action during the 2025 season, starting 11 matches and logging 871 minutes. The Plainfield, Ill., native recorded 29 saves with a .674 save percentage and a 1.45 goals-against average while earning three wins and contributing to two combined shutouts. A two-time BIG EAST All-Academic Team honoree, Hillery brings experience to DePaul's goalkeeping unit entering her final season.
As a group, the six returners have upheld the program's academic standard, each earning multiple BIG EAST All-Academic Team selections. DePaul women's soccer also captured the BIG EAST Team Academic Excellence Award for the third-straight season in 2024-25.
FOLLOW THE BLUE DEMONS
For all the latest information on DePaul Women's Soccer, visit DePaulBlueDemons.com. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow the Blue Demons on Facebook, Instagram, X.
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