Hays tabbed Big 12 Defender of the Week

Eleanor Hays delivers a free kick service during Tech's contest against Kent State

Hays tabbed Big 12 Defender of the Week

September 16, 2026 | Women's Soccer

The Lewisville native scored her first career goal and lead the Red Raiders to a 3-0 clean sheet win Friday

By: Andrew Stern

IRVING, Texas – Texas Tech Senior Eleanor Hays has been named the Big 12's Defender of the Week, the league announced Wednesday.

Hays' honor marks the second-straight week that a Tech player has earned Big 12 Defender of the Week after scoring their first career goal, as outside back Kylie Bahr took home DPOW honors last week.

Showing off her lethal free kick service, and just a match after recording her first career assist, Hays buried a perfect 50-yard free-kick service to give the Red Raiders a 1-0 lead just two minutes and 46 seconds into the match.

A transfer from Clemson, Hays also helped the Red Raiders close out their fourth clean-sheet of the season and anchored a Tech backline that allowed just three total shots.

Hays and the Red Raiders open Big 12 play on Thursday night at No. 25 UCF. First touch from Orlando is set for 7 p.m. (ET)/6 p.m. (CT).