Spring Hills defender Aubrie Labno is the New Balance NPLW Victoria Player of the Month for June, receiving the most votes from the commentary team after a stunning run of form in Rounds 16-18.
The American is flourishing in her first season in the Senol NPLW, making the move to Spring Hills on the eve of the season after completing her collegiate career at Southern Utah University, where she established herself as a top class and dominant defender.
Labno was named best on ground in Round 18 against Preston Lions and was equally impressive in Round 16 against Essendon and Round 17 against Bentleigh.
The defender said she was “very grateful” for the recognition, praising her club’s support in helping her adjust to life in Australia.
“I'm so surprised! I still can't believe it,” she said.
"Everyone gets really excited for whoever makes the Team of the Week. It gets sent into our girls' group chat, and it's really nice to see people recognised for the work they're putting in.
"I moved in January, straight from college, it’s been really nice, Spring Hills has been great and very welcoming.
"They've made the transition from the States very easy for me, which I'm very grateful for, I just had a really good feeling.
"This has been the most welcoming experience I've had with any team. I think what makes Spring Hills so special is that the girls truly fight for each other.
"They want to win for each other. They want the best for each other. Whenever something goes wrong or you're having a bad day, you've got five or six girls coming up to you saying, 'I noticed you're a bit off.
"It's a very welcoming and warm environment between the girls. The Spring Hills girls have been the best team I've ever been a part of."
Speaking on her performance against Preston that clinched her Player of the Month honour, she pointed to her ability to adapt to the different dimensions and conditions at Preston’s Genis Steel Stadium.
"This weekend, having to adjust to the bigger pitch was a little difficult at first. Honestly, I owe everything to the rest of the back line and the midfield,” she said.
"We kept our shape, and I thought this was the game that we communicated the most. That really helped overall."
The Stallions sit in ninth place heading into Round 19, with three wins separating them from the top six, as a finals finish remains the goal heading into the run home.
"Top six is definitely the goal, we’re still pushing to play finals football,” Labno said.
“We talk about how we can keep getting three points every week, and that's a really big discussion within the team."
This week, Spring Hills take on Heidelberg United, who are also pushing for a finals place, in a clash that could shape the run home for both sides.
"We're all very excited,” Labno explained.
"We're excited to go out there, hopefully get the three points, catch up to Victory and honestly, just play for each other and try to win."