The Southern Athletic Association (SAA) announced its 2025 Women's Lacrosse All-Conference teams and major award winners on Thursday, and Rhodes College senior Bari Pinkett has once again earned the league's highest defensive honor. Pinkett was named SAA Defensive Athlete of the Year for the second straight season, headlining a list of eight Lynx recognized for outstanding play.
Pinkett a senior from Baltimore, Md. becomes the first back-to-back Defensive Athlete of the Year in conference history and just the second two-time winner ever. She anchored a Rhodes defense that ranked second in goals allowed during conference play, averaging 4.8 ground balls per game and 3.0 caused turnovers. Her standout performance came in the regular season finale against Berry, where she recorded 11 ground balls, six caused turnovers, and two draw controls in a dominant effort.
Joining Pinkett on the All-SAA First Team are midfielder Anna Erskine and defenders Isabella Sklena and Pinkett herself.
Three Lynx were selected to the All-SAA Second Team: attacker Caroline Kardian, and midfielder Payton Stevens.
Two more Rhodes student-athletes received honorable mention recognition: Delaney O'Mailey and Daryn Raleigh. Additionally, Olivia Wood was named to the SAA All-Sportsmanship Team.
The announcement comes as the Lynx prepare for postseason action, with high expectations following a competitive regular season and strong individual showings across the board.
Rhodes 2025 SAA All-Conference Honorees
Defensive Athlete of the Year:
First Team All-SAA:
Second Team All-SAA:
Honorable Mention:
All-Sportsmanship Team:
