The Mannheim, Germany native, a two-time All-Southern States Athletic Conference performer who last season was named the SSAC's Defensive Player of Year in addition to being named to the NAIA All-America second team, earned the honor after a strong opening week, one that included a stellar defending and goalkeeping effort in Forest City London's result over Toronto.
Stihler, who scored a career-high 10 goals to go along with three assists from his center back position with the Hawks last season, started the game against Toronto in his natural position of defender before being moved to goalkeeper late in the first half after London starting netminder Jarrett Humphreys left the game due to an injury caused by a collision with a teammate.
Stihler made an immediate impact in his new position, stoning a Toronto penalty kick before halftime with a diving stop to his right before making several key saves in the second half to preserve London's clean sheet.
Shorter's rising senior was forced into net due to London not having a backup keeper available on the bench. He more than answered the call, helping Forest City London to a 2-0 start to league play.
"Sebastian played two outstanding games last week," said London head coach Martin Painter. "He was excellent as a defender in both games and that is what we expect from him.
"However, he went above and beyond expectations when he played goalkeeper for over a half on Friday. He made a spectacular save from a penalty shot and he showed calmness, confidence and great leadership in a challenging situation."
Stihler figures to be a key component to Shorter's 2010 squad that is out to improve upon last year's 12 victories - a mark that tied for the most wins in a single season in program history.
The Hawks, who captured the 2008 SSAC regular season championship and last year advanced to the conference semifinals, open play on Aug. 27 when they travel to SSAC West foe Auburn University-Montgomery for a 3 p.m. kickoff.
