Bower’s 94 Saves Rank Sixth in Program History; Riggins Totals 61 Career Appearances; Both Maintain 3.5+ GPA
QUEENS, N.Y. – St. John’s women’s soccer senior captains Emily Riggins and Kayla Bower have been named to the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Team, the organization announced Tuesday, recognizing the duo for their exceptional success on the field and in the classroom.
The CSC Academic All-District Team honor is presented to student-athletes who display excellence in both athletics and academics. To qualify, individuals must maintain a 3.5 GPA or higher, be at least a junior in academic standing, and appear in 75 percent of the team’s contests during the season.
Riggins and Bower, who both played four years under head coach Ian Stone, displayed immense leadership on and off the pitch throughout their careers at St. John’s. The senior duo served as team captains during the 2025 season and were instrumental in guiding the Johnnies through a competitive Big East Conference campaign that culminated in an NCAA Tournament appearance.
Kayla Bower: Program History in the Making
Bower, a goalkeeper from Lincoln Park, N.J., etched her name into St. John’s record books during her first season as the full-time starter. The senior netminder racked up 94 saves across 17 starts during the 2025 campaign, ranking sixth most in program history.
Career Highlights:
- 94 saves in 2025 season (6th in program history)
- .790 save percentage
- 4 shutouts
- 17 starts as full-time starter
- Key performances in Big East Conference matches against top-ranked opponents
- Critical saves in NCAA Tournament first-round overtime thriller against West Virginia
Bower’s ability to perform under pressure defined her senior season. Her shot-stopping ability and command of the penalty area kept St. John’s competitive throughout a challenging Big East Conference schedule. Her performances between the posts gave the Johnnies a chance to compete in every match, and her leadership and communication with the backline were instrumental in organizing the defense.
The Lincoln Park native’s biggest moment came during the NCAA Tournament first round, where her heroic saves kept St. John’s in the match against West Virginia before the Johnnies fell 4-3 in overtime. Her consistent excellence throughout the season earned her recognition as one of the top goalkeepers in the Big East Conference.
In the classroom, Bower holds a 3.71 GPA in the criminal justice program. Her ability to balance the demands of Division I soccer with rigorous coursework exemplifies the qualities recognized by the CSC Academic All-District Team.
Red Storm News
- St. John’s Falls to West Virginia in Overtime Heartbreaker, 4-3, in NCAA Tournament First Round
- St. John’s Stuns No. 18/21 Oklahoma State 74-67 in Highest-Ranked Victory Since Shocking UConn in 2023
- Erin Jones Makes History: St. John’s Star Joins Elite 1,000-1,000-1,000 Club
Emily Riggins: Versatility and Leadership
Riggins, a finance major from Bethpage, N.Y., embodied versatility and commitment throughout her four-year career. The two-year team captain played multiple positions wherever the Johnnies needed her, showcasing her tactical understanding and selfless approach to the game.
Career Highlights:
- 61 career appearances
- 52 career starts
- 1 goal and 5 assists
- 1,378 of 1,440 possible minutes in 2025 season (16 starts)
- Two-year team captain
- Played multiple positions (defender, midfielder, forward)
- Key contributor in Big East Conference matches
- Started in NCAA Tournament first-round match against West Virginia
Riggins’ biggest moments came during critical Big East Conference matches, where her ability to adapt to different roles made her an invaluable asset to head coach Ian Stone’s tactical plans. Whether playing as a defender, midfielder, or forward, Riggins’ presence on the field was a constant for the Johnnies.
Her leadership extended beyond individual performances. As a two-year captain, Riggins set the tone for the program’s culture and mentored younger players through the challenges of Division I soccer. Her tactical understanding and willingness to sacrifice personal statistics for team success made her one of the most respected players in the program.
The Bethpage native’s career culminated in the NCAA Tournament appearance, where she started and played nearly the entire match against West Virginia. Her versatility and leadership throughout four years left a lasting impact on St. John’s women’s soccer.
In the classroom, Riggins boasts a 3.54 GPA as a finance major. Her ability to balance the demands of a rigorous academic program with the responsibilities of being a team captain and full-time starter demonstrates the leadership and work ethic that earned her CSC Academic All-District recognition.
CSC Academic All-District Team: Recognizing Excellence
The College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Team is one of the most prestigious honors for student-athletes, recognizing individuals who excel both on the field and in the classroom. The award is presented annually to student-athletes across all NCAA divisions and sports, with selections based on academic achievement, athletic performance, and contributions to their teams.
To qualify for the CSC Academic All-District Team, student-athletes must meet the following criteria:
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher
- Be at least a junior in academic standing
- Appear in at least 75 percent of the team’s contests during the season
The Academic All-District Team serves as the first step toward consideration for the CSC Academic All-America Team, which recognizes the top student-athletes in the nation. Riggins and Bower’s selection to the Academic All-District Team places them among the top student-athletes in their region and positions them as candidates for further national recognition.
Four Years of Leadership Under Ian Stone
Riggins and Bower both played four years under head coach Ian Stone, who has built a culture of excellence at St. John’s that emphasizes both athletic performance and academic achievement. Stone’s program has consistently produced student-athletes who excel in the classroom and on the pitch.
The recognition of Riggins and Bower as CSC Academic All-District honorees reflects the values instilled by the coaching staff. Throughout their careers, the senior duo served as leaders and role models for their teammates, demonstrating the importance of balancing athletic and academic commitments.
Their work ethic, dedication, and leadership set the standard for the program. Both players were instrumental in guiding St. John’s to the NCAA Tournament and competed at the highest level in the Big East Conference while maintaining exceptional academic standards.
Impact on St. John’s Women’s Soccer Program
The recognition of Riggins and Bower as CSC Academic All-District honorees reflects the culture of excellence that head coach Ian Stone has built at St. John’s. The program has consistently emphasized the importance of academic achievement alongside athletic performance, and the success of Riggins and Bower in both areas serves as a testament to the values instilled by the coaching staff.
Riggins and Bower’s leadership on and off the pitch set the standard for the program and left a lasting impact on their teammates. Their work ethic, dedication, and commitment to excellence serve as a model for future generations of St. John’s women’s soccer players.
The senior duo’s contributions extended beyond statistics. They mentored younger players, represented the program with professionalism, and demonstrated that success in Division I athletics and academics is achievable through dedication and hard work.
Looking Ahead: Academic All-America Consideration
Riggins and Bower’s selection to the CSC Academic All-District Team positions them as candidates for the CSC Academic All-America Team, which recognizes the top student-athletes in the nation. The Academic All-America Team is selected from the pool of Academic All-District honorees and represents the highest level of recognition for student-athletes who excel both on the field and in the classroom.
The announcement of the CSC Academic All-America Team will be made in the coming weeks, and Riggins and Bower’s achievements this season make them strong candidates for further national recognition.
Key Takeaways
1. CSC Academic All-District Honors: St. John’s senior captains Emily Riggins and Kayla Bower have been named to the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Team for their excellence on the field and in the classroom.
2. Bower’s Historic Season: Bower’s 94 saves during the 2025 season rank sixth most in St. John’s program history. She recorded a .790 save percentage and four shutouts while maintaining a 3.71 GPA in criminal justice.
3. Riggins’ Versatility: Riggins started all 16 matches she appeared in this season, totaling 1,378 of 1,440 possible minutes. She recorded 61 career appearances and 52 starts, adding one goal and five assists, while maintaining a 3.54 GPA in finance.
4. Four Years of Leadership: Both players spent four years under head coach Ian Stone and served as team captains during the 2025 season, displaying immense leadership on and off the pitch.
5. Academic All-America Consideration: Riggins and Bower are now candidates for the CSC Academic All-America Team, which recognizes the top student-athletes in the nation.
Categories: College Soccer, NCAA Women’s Soccer, St. John’s Athletics, Academic All-District, Student-Athletes
Tags: St. John’s women’s soccer, Emily Riggins, Kayla Bower, CSC Academic All-District, College Sports Communicators, NCAA, student-athletes, Big East Conference, Ian Stone, academic excellence, women’s soccer
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