Auburn Soccer Holds Year-End Banquet

April 12, 2003

Auburn Soccer

AUBURN – Auburn’s soccer team held its year-end banquet Saturday night as they recognized the school’s first SEC Soccer Championship team, as well as numerous individual awards.

Team awards began with sophomore Sarah Steinmann named as the team’s Most Valuable Offensive Player, while junior Sandy Carnes was awarded as the team’s Most Valuable Defensive Player.

“These awards are just a reflection of the team and their hard work,” Steinmann said. “The coaches keep us working hard and don’t let us rest. This has been a tremendous season.”

“I couldn’t have earned these awards on my own,” Carnes said. “I am excited that I could except them; however, on behalf of the team.”

The Unsung Hero award went to sophomore defender Jenn Walters and the Most Improved Player award was given to sophomore Chrissy Culver. The Rookie of the Year honor went to freshman Ashley Eason, who started at defender all season and the Coaches’ Award was presented to Erin Hinson.

Auburn’s captains were also awarded which include Carnes, Hinson and senior Niki Schier. Carly Thomas was honored for her work as the academic captain for the 2002 season.

Five players were also recognized for their previous honors within the Southeastern Conference. Steinmann was named the SEC Player of the Year, while Carnes and Megan Rivera were given All-SEC Second Team honors. Sara Power picked up All-SEC Honorable Mention and Laura Snell and Power were SEC Players of the Week during the season.

On the national scene, Steinmann was awarded as a NSCAA All-Region first team member, Soccer Buzz Honorable Mention All-American and Soccer Buzz All-Region first team member. Rivera picked up NSCAA All-American third team recognition, NSCAA All-Region first team, Soccer Buzz All-American second team and Soccer Buzz All-Region first team.

Carnes was named to the NSCAA All-Region third team, as well as the Soccer Buzz All-Region third team. Rounding out the national awards was freshman Ashley Eason, who was named to the Soccer Buzz Freshmen All-American third team and Soccer Buzz All-Region Freshman team.