Alabama Soccer Team Picks up Three Post Season Awards
11/7/2007 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
BIRMINGHAM ?? The University of Alabama soccer team picked up three post season awards announced today by the Southeastern Conference and College Sports Information Directors Association (CoSIDA). Freshmen Justine Bernier and Victoria Frederick were named the SEC All- Freshman Team and junior Kailey Corken was selected to the CoSIDA/ESPN the Magazine Academic All-District women's soccer team.
"I am extremely proud of the accomplishments of all three of these ladies," head coach Don Staley said. "Anytime you receive SEC or national honors it says a great deal not only about the individuals but team that is around them."
Youth was a big part of the Alabama team this season, the 11 Tide freshmen on the 2007 roster played over 6,500 minutes over the 20 game season. At times there were as many as seven or eight freshmen on the field for the much improved Tide this season.
"Playing as many freshmen as we did this season will only help us in the future as this young team continues to show improvement. Though only two freshmen were recognized for their efforts this season, I am excited about the entire group of underclassmen and helping them continue to develop."
Freshman goalkeeper Justine Bernier rewrote the Crimson Tide record books in her first season at the Capstone. She recorded 145 saves on the season which is a new Alabama school record and fourth all time in the SEC. She also finished the season tenth in the NCAA in saves. She also set a new UA Soccer Complex record for saves in a game with 16 against Tennessee, the previous record was 12 set by multiple players.
She was honored by the SEC as the Defensive Player of the Week for her play against Vanderbilt and Kentucky the week of October 1. She was also received national honors that week earning Soccerbuzz magazine team of the week and Soccer America goalkeeper of the week.
"I just came in to the season wanting to work hard and help this team win games, to receive this recognition is something that is rewarding, but I could not have done it without the rest of the team on the field," Bernier said.
Freshman forward Victoria Frederick was also named to the SEC All-Freshman team. Frederick tied for the team lead with 13 points this season with five goals and three assist. She was also credited for the game winning goal against Mississippi Valley State. She played a total of 941 minutes in 18 games, 11 as a starter and took 32 shots. She was one of three forwards selected to the SEC All-Freshman team.
"It is such an honor to be recognized by the coaches of the SEC, this is such an outstanding conference and I am truly grateful to be selected as one of the top freshman in the SEC, I know it would not be possible without my teammates though," Frederick said.
Junior Kailey Corken was selected to the CoSIDA/ESPN the Magazine Academic First Team
All ??District. Corken is now one of 26 finalists to be named a CoSIDA/ESPN the Magazine Academic All-American, which will be announced later this month. There are 11 players on each of the eight districts first team, one goalkeeper, three forwards, three midfielders and four defenders. Corken was recognized as a midfielder.
Corken carries a perfect 4.0 GPA in Spanish with a minor in Psychology. She tied Frederick and sophomore forward Alex Butera for the team lead in points with 13. Corken recorded four goals and five assist this season, her five assist was tied for tenth in the SEC.
"All three of these honors are significant for our program," Staley added. "We strive to be our best on the field and in the classroom, I am very encouraged and proud of all three for these accomplishments." Staley said.
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