SAINT MARY-OF-THE-WOODS, Ind. – Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College senior defender Carley Balas and Kieran Groover were recognized among the 2025 River States Conference Women's Soccer award winners, announced Thursday by the league office.

Balas, a Chesterton, Indiana native and four-year standout from Chesterton High School, earned All-River States Conference Third Team honors following a season defined by consistency and leadership on the Pomeroy back line. She started every match for SMWC, logging 1,440 minutes while helping anchor one of the team's most experienced defensive units.

Balas also contributed offensively, scoring a goal against Harris-Stowe (Mo.) on September 7. She recorded five total shots, including two on goal, while playing the full 90 minutes in all 16 matches this season.

Groover was named the program's RSC Champions of Character representative for exemplifying the NAIA's five core values of respect, integrity, responsibility, servant leadership, and sportsmanship both on and off the field.