July 9, 2007

UTEP soccer assistant coach Kelly Parker, a rising star in the collegiate coaching ranks, continues to excel on the pitch as a player. A member of the Ottawa Fury, which competes in the W-League of the United Soccer Leagues, Parker was named the league's Player of the Week for her performance last weekend.

The former league MVP played an instrumental part in leading her club to a 4-1 victory against the Toronto Lady Lynx. The midfielder set up a game-tying goal late in the first half before accounting for the eventual match winner in the second stanza with a blistering shot past the keeper.

Parker's efforts helped improve the Fury's record to a perfect 7-0 on the year. Ottawa is in first place of the Northern Division and is in control of its destiny for the regular-season conference title.

The accomplishment comes as no surprise to those who saw Parker play with the Miners from 1999-2002. She is the all-time leading scorer with 84 points and the most prolific passer in terms of assists with a program-best 30 helpers.

The native of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, capped her career with one of the most impressive senior campaigns in school history. While helping UTEP to a then program-record 16 victories, she was a part of the most potent offense in the Sun City. The Miners led the nation in scoring at 4.42 goals per game, with Parker pacing the country with 19 assists. The average of 1.0 per contest remains a school standard to this day.