AMERICUS, Ga. -- Men's soccer player Thiago Elias and women's soccer player Michelle Gustavsen have been named the Georgia Southwestern State University Department of Athletics top performers for the month of October.

Elias, a senior captain from Sao Paulo, Brazil, turned in a three-goal performance in the Hurricanes 8-1 victory over Shaw University. The eight goals scored by GSW is a program high for most in a match and the hat trick by Elias is the first in program history. Elias is a business management major.

Gustavsen, a junior from Hiram, Ga., anchored the GSW defense for 2018 and did not come off the pitch for a sub until the final match of the season (due to injury). She added an assist in the Lady Hurricanes win against Albany State in the final week of the season, the first of her career. Gustavsen is a nursing major. 

GSW coaches nominate athletes and vote for the recipients of the award each month.