Manabe Named All-American For 2nd Time in Butler Career

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Butler soccer sophomore midfielder Sakiko Manabe was named an NJCAA Division 1 All-American by the United Soccer Coaches organization on Tuesday.

Manabe closes out her Butler soccer career as a two-time All-American, also earning the honor after her freshman campaign in 2023. Of the 52 women that were named USC All-Americans at the NJCAA level (Division 1-3), Manabe is one of eight that earned All-America recognition for a second time in their college careers.

Players on this year's United Soccer Coaches Junior College All-America Teams will be recognized for their accomplishments at the United Soccer Coaches All-America Ceremony & Reception on Saturday, Jan, 11, 2025 in Chicago, Ill., in conjunction with the United Soccer Coaches Convention.

Manabe, a sophomore from Tanabe, Japan, was named a first team All-KJCCC honoree at the conclusion of Butler's season which earned her two-time All-KJCCC honoree status.

After leading the Grizzlies in goals scored (10), shots on goal (26) and points (22) as a freshman in 2023, Manabe's role changed as a sophomore in 2024. She facilitated the Grizzly offense all season. Her 12 assists in league play led the conference while she also added three goals and 18 shots on goal. Manabe finished with two game winning goals. She totaled 15 assists overall which ranked sixth across all of NJCAA Division 1. Manabe assisted or scored in 11 of the Grizzlies 13 wins on the seasons and helped lead Butler to a 13-3-4 record, advancing to the Region 6 semifinals.

Manabe signed with the University of Central Arkansas in November to continue her athletic and academic career. The Bears are an NCAA Division 1 squad that compete in the A-SUN conference.

**CLICK HERE FOR FULL UNITED SOCCER COACHES ALL-AMERICAN TEAMS**