Dixon Named Missouri Valley Player of the Year
Southern Illinois forward Maya Dixon and midfielder Nao Katamoto headline the conference's 2026 soccer award winners.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Soccer
The Missouri Valley Conference named Southern Illinois forward Maya Dixon its Player of the Year and Forward of the Year, while Nao Katamoto earned Midfielder of the Year and Victoria Hassan was named Freshman of the Year. The conference also named Graeme Orr, Carley Kandel, and Ash Phillips Coaching Staff of the Year.
Why it matters
The honors recognize a Southern Illinois team that finished the 2026 season with a 13-4 overall record and a 7-2 conference mark. The awards come as the Salukis prepare for the MVC Tournament semifinal in Carbondale.
Dixon scored two goals in each of Southern Illinois' 2-1 wins over Evansville and Belmont, and Katamoto scored both goals in a 2-1 comeback win over Murray State. Three Salukis were named to the MVC First Team, one to the Second Team, and three to the All-Freshman Team.
The players
Maya Dixon
Southern Illinois forward who was named the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year and Forward of the Year.
Nao Katamoto
Southern Illinois midfielder who was named the Missouri Valley Conference Midfielder of the Year.
Victoria Hassan
Southern Illinois freshman who was named the Missouri Valley Conference Freshman of the Year.
The details
The conference announced its postseason awards and All-Conference teams after the 2026 regular season. Southern Illinois placed three players on the First Team, one on the Second Team, and three on the All-Freshman Team, reflecting the depth of the program's season.
Timeline
2026 regular season: Dixon, Katamoto, Hassan, and the team earned MVC honors.
Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026, 3 p.m.: MVC Tournament semifinal in Carbondale, Ill.
Season Trajectory
Southern Illinois' season produced honors across forward, midfield, and freshman categories at once, a broad recognition that reinforces its standing near the top of the Missouri Valley Conference. The 7-2 conference record places the Salukis in a strong position heading into the tournament.
The MVC Tournament semifinal on Thursday, Nov. 12, at 3 p.m. in Carbondale gives fans a set date to watch the Salukis compete for a spot in the final. Players named to the All-Conference teams are the ones to track as the postseason begins.
The takeaway
Recognition across multiple position groups signals a balanced Southern Illinois roster heading into the conference postseason. Fans following the program can watch the semifinal in Carbondale for the next step in the Salukis' run.
What happens next
The Salukis face the MVC Tournament semifinal in Carbondale on Thursday, Nov. 12, at 3 p.m.
Further reading
For more on the conference's competitive picture, see Soccer coverage across the region.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Newsradio WJPF.
