April 25, 2012

Brizard Announces 2011-12 Team Awards

Junior Kerri Reid snagged two of the women's soccer team's six post-season awards, including the team's overall MVP honor, as announced by head coach Daniel Brizard at the conclusion of spring season.

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. -- Junior Kerri Reid snagged two of the women's soccer team's six post-season awards, including the team's overall MVP honor, as announced by head coach Daniel Brizard at the conclusion of spring season. She was also the recipient of the Golden Eagle award for the player that most embodies the spirit of Tech Athletics.

The team awards, as voted upon by all rostered players, also include an offensive and defensive MVP in addition to the team MVP, as well as a Newcomer of the Year and a Most Improved Player of the Year.

Reid set a precedent of consistency for herself as a Golden Eagle from the early goings, and the 2011 season was no different as she continued to display characteristics of leadership and tenacity both on and off the pitch.

She closed out the regular season being one of five players to start all 19 games of the season for Tech. Her three goals on the season put her tied in the No. 1 spot in scoring on the year and she racked up 1,446 minutes of field time.

"Kerri is a valuable part of our team and this program," Brizard said. "She is hardworking and ambitious, and embodies all of the characteristics that comprise a Golden Eagle student-athlete.

"Since she's gotten here, she has been a consistent and reliable presence in the midfield, and we're looking forward to having her continue to fill that role for another year."

Fellow classmates Andrea Meloff and Julie Thompson earned positional MVP honors, with Meloff snagging the offensive award and Thompson claiming the defensive title.

Meloff had two goals and two assists for a total of six points this year. She started 15 of 19 contests as a forward, and accounted for one game-tying goal and one game-winner on the season. On the defensive end, Thompson logged 1,730 minutes - the third highest total on the team - and was another of the five Golden Eagles to start all 19 games.

"Andi [Meloff] and Julie [Thompson] are two more veterans that have clearly earned the respect of their teammates," Brizard said. "We like having the option to use Andi as a threat up top, and Julie has done a good job in helping to anchor the back line."

Katie Phillips, a true freshman in 2011, was named Newcomer of the Year after making appearances in 17 games and earning the starting nod in two.

"Katie definitely came in and solidified her spot on this team," Brizard said. "We used her as a midfielder for the most part this year, but she'll probably make the move to center back for us next season."

Rounding out the list was Amanda Koch with the Most Improved Player award. A walk-on freshman in 2011, Koch made eight starts in 19 total appearances for Tech and logged one career assist on the season.

"Amanda visibly worked very hard to improve her game this year," Brizard said of Koch. "It was undoubtedly her work ethic that earned her a spot in the lineup and inevitably, this award."