Which member of the Orange athletic community stood out above the rest last month?
It's hard to believe, but we are already more than 1.5 months into the 2026-27 athletic calendar. And we've already seen quite a few standout performances on the fields of play for Syracuse Orange athletes.
Each month, SyracuseRoundtable is going to bring you the Syracuse Athlete of the Month, on both the men and the women's side.
Here are September's nominees, complete with winner as well.
September's four finalists
Women's Ice Hockey goalie Ava Drabyk - The sophomore helped lead Syracuse to two wins to start the 2025-26 season. It was actually a historic start for the program, which is now helmed by Brian Idalski.
Football's Keyshawn Johnson - Johnson, a senior transfer, has already posted 2.5 sacks for the Orange defense. The Orange defender's performance has already gained the attention of NFL reporters via social media. The Orange are 1-2 this season and back in action this Saturday against the UConn Huskies.
Men's soccer midfielder Bryson Rodriguez - The sophomore midfielder has led the Orange in points scored (2) through the month of September. Rodriguez has been a pivotal part of the Orange's success, helping the team to four wins in the month, including a big win over Notre Dame.
Women's Field Hockey Aubrey Turner - The third sophomore on this month's list, Turner posted four goals for the Orange during the month of September. Syracuse continues to be nationally ranked and will go for win number seven Friday night.
Goz's Pick for SyracuseRountable's September Athlete of the Month....
Aubrey Turner is this month's winner. Turner's consistent efforts and individual output as continued to keep the Orange pacing to be one of the best teams in women's field hockey.
What's happening in early October for SU teams?
Football
As stated, the Orange are back in action on Saturday (noon ET) in East Hartford, Conn. The Huskies are 2-2 following a difficult loss against Miami (Ohio) last weekend.
These two teams have met 14 times in their history, with Syracuse holding an 8-6 advantage.
Men's Soccer
After defeating the nationally-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Friday 1-0, the Orange will again face a nationally-ranked foe from the ACC. Syracuse hosts Pittsburgh in an evening clash. Action on the pitch begins at 7:00 p.m. ET.
Women's Field Hockey
Syracuse returns on Friday afternoon when they travel to take on the Duke Blue Devils. Face off is set for 3:00 p.m. ET in Durham, N.C.
For Women's Hockey
The Orange will look to add to their win total this weekend when they return to the ice on Friday. Syracuse will take Mercyhurst for two games in two days. The weekend series begins on Friday night with puck drop set for 6:00 p.m. ET
The Orange return home on Oct. 9.
