SEARCY — Harding senior forward Whitney Thomas has been named to the United Soccer Coaches All-Central Region Third Team, the organization announced this week.
It is the first career All-Region honor for Thomas and the first for a Harding women's soccer player since Carmen Gunn was a First Team selection in 2024.
Thomas, a native of Benbrook, Texas, was a pivotal force in the Lady Bisons' attack during her senior campaign. She led the team with seven goals and 14 points, starting 19 of 20 matches. Her offensive production was instrumental in guiding Harding to a 12-7-2 overall record and the Great American Conference (GAC) Tournament championship.
Her most significant contribution of the season came on Nov. 16 in the GAC Tournament final against Ouachita Baptist. Thomas scored the game-winning goal in the 44th minute, securing the title and an automatic bid to the NCAA Division II Tournament for the Lady Bisons.
Thomas finished her Harding career with 16 goals and two assists across 74 matches. She was previously an All-GAC selection and recently earned Academic All-District honors from College Sports Communicators for her performance in the classroom as an environmental sciences major.
The All-Region recognition caps a successful 2025 season for Harding, which saw the end of head coach Dr. Greg Harris' 25-year tenure following the team's NCAA Tournament appearance against Minnesota State.
