COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – While preparing his squad to commence their spring season, first-year women's soccer coach Daniel Brizard has announced his team awards for the 2010 regular season. The team as well as the coaching staff voted on award winners.
The Offensive MVP award went to sophomore Andrea Meloff. A member of the 2009 OVC all-newcomer team, Meloff led the Golden Eagles with five goals and one assist this year, notching 11 points on the season. She made six starts in 17 games and had a shot percentage of .278.
Sophomore Leigh Heffner notched the Defensive MVP award for her efforts in anchoring the backfield this season. She was named OVC Defensive Player of the Week on October 19 after helping the Golden Eagles to their first conference win, 1-0 over SEMO, and a one-all tie with EIU. In a physical match-up with SEMO, Heffner distributed the ball on nearly every direct kick awarded to the Golden Eagles on 17 fouls committed by the Redhawks. She was also imperative in several team saves during both regulation and sudden death overtime to preserve the tie with Eastern Illinois. Heffner and teammate Kerri Reid were both named second team all-OVC following their 2010 season.
Reid earned the team's MVP award as well, being one of three Golden Eagles to start all 17 contests of the 2010 season. Tied for second on the team in goals scored, she contributed two goals and three assists on the season, helping to anchor the midfield for Tech with her ability to control the ball and distribute. She finished with seven points and a .125 shot percentage.
"I'm looking forward to having Andi, Leigh and Kerri all back next year as juniors," Brizard said. "They have all demonstrated leadership on and off the field as young players during both the regular season and off-season.
I have no doubt that these three will continue to improve and develop as individuals, but will instigate the same in their teammates as well," he finished.
Two freshmen also notched team awards for last season's play, as Taylor Hicks (left) accepted the Newcomer of the Year award for her contributions on both the offensive and defensive ends of the field. She started 10 of 17 games for Tech and logged a goal and an assist on the season. Fellow freshman Ellie Iaciofano (right) was named Most Improved on the season.
Senior Brooke Mayo received the Golden Eagle award, given to one who exemplifies TTU and TTU Athletics to the fullest extent. Mayo, voted one of three captains by her teammates for the 2010 season, started in 11 games of 17 for Tech, contributing a goal and an assist on the season. Mayo's contributions were also noticed off the field, however, as she served as a motivator off the bench on game days, a leader at practice and a role model as a student-athlete. The acting President of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, Mayo works constantly to hone her leadership skills, this year being one of four OVC student-athletes who attended the NCAA Career in Sports Forum in Indianapolis.
The Golden Eagles will kick off their spring season on Saturday, March 19 with a trip to Middle Tennessee to take on the MTSU Blue Raiders and the Belmont Bruins. Times for the matches have yet to be determined.
