November 27, 2025
Waxahachie, Texas — The foundation of Nelson University Women's Soccer has always been built on excellence and the willingness to serve one another. This season, four Lions embodied that standard so powerfully that the NCCAA took notice honoring Daisy Altamirano, Mackenzie Gonzalez, Daisy Ruiz, and Stephanie Hernandez with selections to the NCCAA All-Central Region Team.
Daisy Altamirano – Senior Forward | #21
When Nelson needed a spark, Daisy supplied the flame.
Our senior forward concluded her career in spectacular fashion, powering the Lady Lions' attack with 10 goals and 3 assists, once again proving herself as one of the most dangerous strikers in the Central Region. Her blend of pace, physicality, and composure in front of goal turned tight matches into statement wins and gave the Lady Lion offense an anchor all season long.
Daisy's back-to-back standout seasons solidified her as one of the most feared attackers in the conference and one of the most respected leaders in our locker room.
Mackenzie Gonzalez – Centerback | #26
The heartbeat of our back line.
Mackenzie anchored the Nelson defense with poise, intensity, and the relentless "we/me" mindset that defines the Lady Lions' culture. Her ability to read the game, win aerial duels, and shut down opposing forwards made her the centerpiece of one of the region's toughest defensive units.
Daisy Ruiz – Midfielder | #24
Daisy Ruiz burst onto the collegiate scene, immediately securing a key role in Nelson's midfield engine. Her playmaking instincts, control under pressure, and ability to thread passes between defensive lines led to 3 goals and 6 assists while helping dictate the tempo in some of the most important matches of the season.
Stephanie Hernandez – Captain, Forward | #14
Every great team needs a captain who sets the standard. Stephanie did that and more.
After back-to-back standout seasons, Stephanie once again delivered at an elite level, finishing the campaign with 7 goals and 2 assists. Her leadership, consistency, and relentless competitive drive fueled the Lady Lions through both highs and adversity.
These four Lions represent different positions, different roles, and different paths, but together they paint one picture: Nelson Women's Soccer is rising and the region has taken notice. Congratulations to Daisy Altamirano, Mackenzie Gonzalez, Daisy Ruiz, and Stephanie Hernandez, for your legacy continues to strengthen the foundation of Nelson University Women's Soccer.
Nelson University (formerly SAGU) is a private Christian university, established in 1927 by P.C. Nelson. The University is located 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas, and offers more than 70 associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees on campus or online. For more information, visit www.nelson.edu or by calling 1-888-YES-NELSON.
