Michigan State Women’s Soccer freshman forward/midfielder Bella Najera was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week Tuesday after scoring the lone goal against Ohio State in MSU's Big Ten opener Sunday. 

Sunday marked Najera’s third consecutive game with a goal, her fourth in MSU’s last five outings. She’s now tied for first in goals among Big Ten freshmen, in addition to leading MSU in total points (9) and goals (4). 

An Illinois native, Najera was the only freshman in the conference to net a goal in the first weekend of conference play. It’s the first Big Ten Freshman of the Year award for Najera and the team’s first since Courtney Koehler earned the award in Sept. 2022. 

“Bella has just been incredibly committed to everything in this process,” MSU Head Women’s Soccer Coach Jeff Hosler said Sunday following the 1-1 draw. “She plays a ton of minutes, we ask her to cover a ton of ground and do a lot of things both from the attacking and defending side of the ball and when she puts herself in situations in front of goal, she’s quality.”

Starting the season 5-2-2, the Spartans will need more of the same production from Najera moving forward in conference play.