DBU Women's Soccer junior defender Kenzi Tufts was named the Lone Star Conference Defensive Player of the Year at the annual LSC Women's Soccer Championship Banquet.

A center back from Southlake, Texas, Tufts has anchored a Patriot defense that ranks No. 15 nationally in goals-against average, surrendering just 0.47 goals per game. After being named the LSC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, Tufts delivered a standout campaign in 2026, leading DBU in minutes played (1,315) while helping guide the Patriots to 12 shutouts during the regular season.

Tufts has also made her presence felt on the offensive end, contributing three goals and two assists to a Patriot attack that ranks No. 1 nationally in scoring.

With the honor, Tufts becomes the fifth player in program history to earn LSC Defensive Player of the Year recognition, joining Maggie Scales (2019), Blythe Obar (2020), Rachel Allen (2023), and Parker Coe (2025).

Tufts and the Patriots return to action Thursday when they host UT Tyler in the LSC Semifinals at Patriot Soccer Field. Kickoff is set for 5:00 p.m.