Sounders Academy product and current University of Washington starlet Handwalla Bwana has been named Pac-12 Freshman of the Year. The dynamic attacking player tallied four goals and seven assists for the Huskies.
Before the start of the 2016 season, Washington Head Coach Jamie Clark compared Bwana’s skill set to that of United States international Darlington Nagbe. After a breakout regular season campaign for the Huskies, the juxtaposition certainly stands.
Bwana has blossomed into an exciting prospect with his range of passing, dribbling and fearlessness in 1v1 situations. In addition to his dazzling footwork and unparalleled composure on the ball, Bwana contributed several wonder-goals for the Huskies, most notably in wins versus Davidson College and UCLA.
Arguably his best performance came in the Huskies 3-2 win over Davidson, when Bwana played a part in all three scores for UW. The SSFC Academy product arrowed a shot into the top corner to level the score in the 10th minute, and recorded an assist in the 73rd to send the match into overtime. He then secured all three points for the Huskies when his corner kick found the head of Kyle Coffee, another Pac-12 All Conference honoree, in the 107th minute of the match.
Despite his man of the match display against the Wildcats, his best moment came against the Bruins. With the Huskies holding an early 2-0 lead on the road, Bwana sealed the win with an audacious strike from 30 yards.
In addition to winning Freshman of the Year, Bwana was named to the All-Pac 12 Second Team alongside fellow Sounders Academy alum Henry Wingo.
A junior from Shoreline, Wash., Wingo often dictated the tempo of matches for the Huskies while operating as the midfield fulcrum. His ability to boss the midfield often saw him winning back possession for the purple and gold before quickly starting counter-attacks, or slowing down proceedings by recycling possession. Wingo’s blend of power and technical ability make him a truly exciting prospect.
Despite often operating as the deepest man in UW’s midfield, he still managed to pitch in a goal and an assist.
The dynamic duo will look to vindicate their accolades when the Huskies take on the winner of New Mexico versus University of Portland in the NCAA Tournament. The full bracket can be found here.
