Player of the Year: Girls Soccer
Andrews gets a kick out of Gatorade trophy
May, 24, 2012
May 24
9:22
AM ET
By Chad Konecky | ESPN.com
MILFORD, N.H. -- She’s been considered one of America’s elite young soccer talents since her preteen years, but Morgan Andrews put a little space between herself and the rest of the field Thursday when she was named the 2011-12 Gatorade National Girls Soccer Player of the Year.
Andrews was surprised with the news in her Milford (N.H.) English class by a hero of the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Ali Krieger, who earned Gatorade Virginia Player of the Year honors in 2002-03.
“I can’t believe this is happening,” said Andrews, who turned 17 on March 25. “I owe so much to so many for this. I wouldn’t be here without the love and support of this incredible, amazing community. I’m literally shaking. I just don’t believe it.”
The 5-foot-9 junior midfielder captained the U.S. Soccer Under-17 national team to the CONCACAF Women's Championship in Guatemala earlier this month, playing every minute as the Team USA went 5-0 and outscored opponents 26-0. She will lead the U.S. in its bid to win the FIFA U-17 World Cup title this fall in Azerbaijan (Sept. 22-Oct. 13) and will likely miss much of her senior year of prep competition.
Andrews scored 31 goals and passed for six assists at forward this past high school season, leading the Spartans (11-6-1) to the Division II state quarterfinals.
“We got her good on the surprise,” said Krieger, who played every minute for the U.S. women’s national team in the 2011 FIFA World Cup, scoring the decisive penalty kick in a quarterfinal win over Brazil. “It’s such an honor to share this with Morgan and to welcome her to the Gatorade Player of the Year family. It was such a validation for me just to win state player of the year in high school and it drove me to reach higher. I’m confident this will do the same for her.”
Gatorade Girls Soccer Players of the Year
May, 23, 2012
May 23
5:28
AM ET
By Ben Rohrbach | ESPN.com
A dedicated ESPNHS team managed this spring's Gatorade Girls Soccer Player of the Year selection process, resulting in winners based on the program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2012 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character.
For her 27 fellow Gatorade State Spring Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
For the 22 Gatorade State Fall Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Bailee Harnett
THE BASICS
School: Oak Mountain (Birmingham, Ala.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-foot-5
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Harnett led the Eagles to a 28-2 record and the Class 6A state title this past season. She scored 29 goals and passed for 33 assists, including three goals and four assists in Oak Mountain’s five-game run in the state tournament. A 2011 Birmingham News All-Metro selection, Harnett made the All-Tournament Team at the 2012 Southern Shootout and Lakeshore Shootout. She concluded her prep soccer career with 39 goals and 46 assists.
Academic excellence: Harnett has maintained a 3.88 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: A member of the Mu Alpha Theta mathematics honor society, she has volunteered locally with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham and at The Regions Tradition golf tournament to support Children’s of Alabama hospital.
For her 27 fellow Gatorade State Spring Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
For the 22 Gatorade State Fall Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Bailee Harnett
THE BASICS
School: Oak Mountain (Birmingham, Ala.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-foot-5
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Harnett led the Eagles to a 28-2 record and the Class 6A state title this past season. She scored 29 goals and passed for 33 assists, including three goals and four assists in Oak Mountain’s five-game run in the state tournament. A 2011 Birmingham News All-Metro selection, Harnett made the All-Tournament Team at the 2012 Southern Shootout and Lakeshore Shootout. She concluded her prep soccer career with 39 goals and 46 assists.
Academic excellence: Harnett has maintained a 3.88 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: A member of the Mu Alpha Theta mathematics honor society, she has volunteered locally with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham and at The Regions Tradition golf tournament to support Children’s of Alabama hospital.
A dedicated ESPNHS team managed this spring's Gatorade Girls Soccer Player of the Year selection process, resulting in winners based on the program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2012 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character.
For her 27 fellow Gatorade State Spring Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
For the 22 Gatorade State Fall Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Aaliyah Lewis
THE BASICS
School: A.J. Dimond (City, State)
Grade: Junior
Position: Forward
Height: 5-foot-4
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Lewis led the Lynx to a 16-1-1 record entering the state tournament, scheduled to begin on Thursday. She scored 22 goals and passed for three assists through 18 games. A two-year team captain, she was a First Team All-Cook Inlet Conference selection.
Academic excellence: Lewis has maintained a 3.43 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: She has volunteered locally on behalf of the Special Olympics, the Salvation Army and youth soccer programs.
For her 27 fellow Gatorade State Spring Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
For the 22 Gatorade State Fall Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Aaliyah Lewis
THE BASICS
School: A.J. Dimond (City, State)
Grade: Junior
Position: Forward
Height: 5-foot-4
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Lewis led the Lynx to a 16-1-1 record entering the state tournament, scheduled to begin on Thursday. She scored 22 goals and passed for three assists through 18 games. A two-year team captain, she was a First Team All-Cook Inlet Conference selection.
Academic excellence: Lewis has maintained a 3.43 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: She has volunteered locally on behalf of the Special Olympics, the Salvation Army and youth soccer programs.
A dedicated ESPNHS team managed this spring's Gatorade Girls Soccer Player of the Year selection process, resulting in winners based on the program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2012 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character.
For her 27 fellow Gatorade State Spring Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
For the 22 Gatorade State Fall Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Jaden DeGracie
THE BASICS
School: Highland (Gilbert, Ariz.)
Grade: Junior
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-foot-6
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: DeGracie led the Hawks to a 22-3 record and the Division I state title this past season. She scored three goals and passed for 41 assists, including five assists in Highland’s four-game run in the state tournament. The Division I, Section 2 Player of the Year and an Arizona Republic All-Arizona First Team selection, DeGracie concluded her junior year with five goals and 56 assists in her prep career.
Academic excellence: DeGracie has maintained a 4.36 weighted GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: The vice president and treasurer of the Highland High student council, she was the co-founder of J&J Pianist, which performs recitals at retirement homes, and has volunteered locally with the Special Olympics, a local literacy-outreach program and as a youth soccer coach.
For her 27 fellow Gatorade State Spring Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
For the 22 Gatorade State Fall Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Jaden DeGracie
THE BASICS
School: Highland (Gilbert, Ariz.)
Grade: Junior
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-foot-6
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: DeGracie led the Hawks to a 22-3 record and the Division I state title this past season. She scored three goals and passed for 41 assists, including five assists in Highland’s four-game run in the state tournament. The Division I, Section 2 Player of the Year and an Arizona Republic All-Arizona First Team selection, DeGracie concluded her junior year with five goals and 56 assists in her prep career.
Academic excellence: DeGracie has maintained a 4.36 weighted GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: The vice president and treasurer of the Highland High student council, she was the co-founder of J&J Pianist, which performs recitals at retirement homes, and has volunteered locally with the Special Olympics, a local literacy-outreach program and as a youth soccer coach.
Arkansas Girls Soccer POY: Tayler Estrada
May, 23, 2012
May 23
5:24
AM ET
By Ben Rohrbach | ESPN.com
A dedicated ESPNHS team managed this spring's Gatorade Girls Soccer Player of the Year selection process, resulting in winners based on the program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2012 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character.
For her 27 fellow Gatorade State Spring Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
For the 22 Gatorade State Fall Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Tayler Estrada
THE BASICS
School: Bentonville (Ark.)
Grade: Junior
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-foot-6
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Estrada led the Tigers to a 15-4-2 record and the Class 7A state championship this past season. The returning Gatorade Arkansas Girls Soccer Player of the Year, she scored 17 goals and passed for six assists in 2012. A two-time 7A West Conference Player of the Year, Estrada was a 2011 All-American selection by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. She concluded her junior year with 42 goals and 26 assists in her prep career.
Academic excellence: Estrada has maintained a 3.55 weighted GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: She has volunteered locally at an area homeless shelter, an animal shelter and with the Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter’s participation in the Toys for Tots program.
For her 27 fellow Gatorade State Spring Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
For the 22 Gatorade State Fall Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Tayler Estrada
THE BASICS
School: Bentonville (Ark.)
Grade: Junior
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-foot-6
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Estrada led the Tigers to a 15-4-2 record and the Class 7A state championship this past season. The returning Gatorade Arkansas Girls Soccer Player of the Year, she scored 17 goals and passed for six assists in 2012. A two-time 7A West Conference Player of the Year, Estrada was a 2011 All-American selection by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. She concluded her junior year with 42 goals and 26 assists in her prep career.
Academic excellence: Estrada has maintained a 3.55 weighted GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: She has volunteered locally at an area homeless shelter, an animal shelter and with the Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter’s participation in the Toys for Tots program.
California Girls Soccer POY: Ryan Walker-Hartshorn
May, 23, 2012
May 23
5:23
AM ET
By Ben Rohrbach | ESPN.com
A dedicated ESPNHS team managed this spring's Gatorade Girls Soccer Player of the Year selection process, resulting in winners based on the program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2012 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character.
For her 27 fellow Gatorade State Spring Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
For the 22 Gatorade State Fall Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Ryan Walker-Hartshorn
THE BASICS
School: Bishop O’Dowd (Oakland, Calif.)
Grade: Junior
Position: Forward
Height: 5-foot-11
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Walker-Hartshorn led the Dragons to a 21-3-2 record and the CIF-North Central Section Division II tournament championship this past season. She scored 22 goals and passed for 14 assists, including six goals and three assists in Bishop O’Dowd’s four-game postseason run. A member of the U.S. Soccer Under-18 Women’s National Team, for which she plays outside back, Walker-Hartshorn was the 2012 All-East Bay Girls Soccer Player of the Year. She concluded her junior year with 61 goals and 29 assists in her prep career.
Academic excellence: Walker-Hartshorn has maintained a 3.35 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: She has volunteered locally as a youth mentor and tutor, at a homeless shelter and at a child care center.
For her 27 fellow Gatorade State Spring Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
For the 22 Gatorade State Fall Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Ryan Walker-Hartshorn
THE BASICS
School: Bishop O’Dowd (Oakland, Calif.)
Grade: Junior
Position: Forward
Height: 5-foot-11
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Walker-Hartshorn led the Dragons to a 21-3-2 record and the CIF-North Central Section Division II tournament championship this past season. She scored 22 goals and passed for 14 assists, including six goals and three assists in Bishop O’Dowd’s four-game postseason run. A member of the U.S. Soccer Under-18 Women’s National Team, for which she plays outside back, Walker-Hartshorn was the 2012 All-East Bay Girls Soccer Player of the Year. She concluded her junior year with 61 goals and 29 assists in her prep career.
Academic excellence: Walker-Hartshorn has maintained a 3.35 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: She has volunteered locally as a youth mentor and tutor, at a homeless shelter and at a child care center.
A dedicated ESPNHS team managed this spring's Gatorade Girls Soccer Player of the Year selection process, resulting in winners based on the program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2012 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character.
For her 27 fellow Gatorade State Spring Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
For the 22 Gatorade State Fall Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Janine Beckie
THE BASICS
School: Valor Christian (Highlands Ranch, Colo.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Forward/midfielder
Height: 5-foot-8
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Beckie scored 24 goals and passed for 17 assists this past season, leading the Eagles (11-5-3) to the Class 4A state semifinals. A member of the U.S. Soccer Under-18 Women’s National Team and a 2011 Class 4A First Team All-State selection, she concluded her prep soccer career with 63 goals and 35 assists.
Academic excellence: Beckie has maintained a B average in the classroom.
Exemplary character: A member of the Valor Student Athletic Leadership Council, she has volunteered locally as a youth soccer coach and on behalf of World Vision, a charity which sponsors children in Africa.
For her 27 fellow Gatorade State Spring Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
For the 22 Gatorade State Fall Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Janine Beckie
THE BASICS
School: Valor Christian (Highlands Ranch, Colo.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Forward/midfielder
Height: 5-foot-8
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Beckie scored 24 goals and passed for 17 assists this past season, leading the Eagles (11-5-3) to the Class 4A state semifinals. A member of the U.S. Soccer Under-18 Women’s National Team and a 2011 Class 4A First Team All-State selection, she concluded her prep soccer career with 63 goals and 35 assists.
Academic excellence: Beckie has maintained a B average in the classroom.
Exemplary character: A member of the Valor Student Athletic Leadership Council, she has volunteered locally as a youth soccer coach and on behalf of World Vision, a charity which sponsors children in Africa.
A dedicated ESPNHS team managed this spring's Gatorade Girls Soccer Player of the Year selection process, resulting in winners based on the program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2012 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character.
For her 27 fellow Gatorade State Spring Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
For the 22 Gatorade State Fall Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Casey Horney
THE BASICS
School: Padua Academy (City, State)
Grade: Senior
Position: Forward/midfielder
Height: 5-foot-6
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Horney led the Pandas to a 14-0-1 record entering a state-tournament match against St. George’s (Middletown, Del.), scheduled for Wednesday. She scored 10 goals and passed for 19 assists through 15 games. Horney is a three-time All-State selection.
Academic excellence: Horney has maintained a 3.49 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: She has volunteered locally on behalf of the Blue-Gold Club, which raises funds and organizes activities for special needs students.
For her 27 fellow Gatorade State Spring Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
For the 22 Gatorade State Fall Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Casey Horney
THE BASICS
School: Padua Academy (City, State)
Grade: Senior
Position: Forward/midfielder
Height: 5-foot-6
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Horney led the Pandas to a 14-0-1 record entering a state-tournament match against St. George’s (Middletown, Del.), scheduled for Wednesday. She scored 10 goals and passed for 19 assists through 15 games. Horney is a three-time All-State selection.
Academic excellence: Horney has maintained a 3.49 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: She has volunteered locally on behalf of the Blue-Gold Club, which raises funds and organizes activities for special needs students.
A dedicated ESPNHS team managed this spring's Gatorade Girls Soccer Player of the Year selection process, resulting in winners based on the program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2012 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character.
For her 27 fellow Gatorade State Spring Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
For the 22 Gatorade State Fall Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Carson Pickett
THE BASICS
School: St. John’s Country Day School
(Orange Park, Fla.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-foot-8
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Pickett led the Spartans to a 23-2-2 record and the Class 1A state title this past season. She scored 52 goals and passed for 36 assists, including 11 goals and seven assists in St. John’s five-game postseason run. Pickett was the 2012 Florida Dairy Farmers Female Soccer Player of the Year and the Class 1A State Player of the Year. A six-year varsity player, she concluded her prep soccer career with 150 goals and 152 assists.
Academic excellence: Pickett has maintained a B average in the classroom.
Exemplary character: A member of her local Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter, she has volunteered locally as part of a fundraising campaign to benefit diabetes research and as a youth soccer coach.
For her 27 fellow Gatorade State Spring Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
For the 22 Gatorade State Fall Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Carson Pickett
THE BASICS
School: St. John’s Country Day School
(Orange Park, Fla.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-foot-8
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Pickett led the Spartans to a 23-2-2 record and the Class 1A state title this past season. She scored 52 goals and passed for 36 assists, including 11 goals and seven assists in St. John’s five-game postseason run. Pickett was the 2012 Florida Dairy Farmers Female Soccer Player of the Year and the Class 1A State Player of the Year. A six-year varsity player, she concluded her prep soccer career with 150 goals and 152 assists.
Academic excellence: Pickett has maintained a B average in the classroom.
Exemplary character: A member of her local Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter, she has volunteered locally as part of a fundraising campaign to benefit diabetes research and as a youth soccer coach.
A dedicated ESPNHS team managed this spring's Gatorade Girls Soccer Player of the Year selection process, resulting in winners based on the program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2012 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character.
For her 27 fellow Gatorade State Spring Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
For the 22 Gatorade State Fall Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Emily Sonnett
THE BASICS
School: Fellowship Christian School
(Roswell, Ga.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Forward
Height: 5-foot-7
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Sonnett scored 25 goals and passed for 12 assists this past season, leading the Paladins (14-3-1) to the Class A state championship game. A member of the U.S. Soccer Under-18 Women’s National Team and a 2011 Youth All-American selection by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America for club play, she was also a 2011 ESPNHS First Team All-American. Sonnett concluded her prep soccer career with 113 goals and 41 assists.
Academic excellence: Sonnett has maintained a 3.30 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: She has volunteered locally with a nursing home, as a youth soccer coach and on behalf of the Atlanta Union Mission.
For her 27 fellow Gatorade State Spring Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
For the 22 Gatorade State Fall Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Emily Sonnett
THE BASICS
School: Fellowship Christian School
(Roswell, Ga.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Forward
Height: 5-foot-7
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Sonnett scored 25 goals and passed for 12 assists this past season, leading the Paladins (14-3-1) to the Class A state championship game. A member of the U.S. Soccer Under-18 Women’s National Team and a 2011 Youth All-American selection by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America for club play, she was also a 2011 ESPNHS First Team All-American. Sonnett concluded her prep soccer career with 113 goals and 41 assists.
Academic excellence: Sonnett has maintained a 3.30 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: She has volunteered locally with a nursing home, as a youth soccer coach and on behalf of the Atlanta Union Mission.
A dedicated ESPNHS team managed this spring's Gatorade Girls Soccer Player of the Year selection process, resulting in winners based on the program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2012 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character.
For her 27 fellow Gatorade State Spring Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
For the 22 Gatorade State Fall Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Carly Neal
THE BASICS
School: Kamehameha School (Honolulu, Hawaii)
Grade: Senior
Position: Forward/midfielder
Height: 5-foot-6
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Neal led the Warriors to a 13-1-1 record and the Division I state title this past season. She scored 13 goals and passed for 12 assists. The Honolulu Star-Advertiser Player of the Year, Neal is a two-time Interscholastic League of Hawaii All-Star and a member of the 2012 Division I All-Tournament Team.
Academic excellence: Neal has maintained a 3.67 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: She has volunteered locally with the Special Olympics and on behalf of multiple area road races.
For her 27 fellow Gatorade State Spring Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
For the 22 Gatorade State Fall Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Carly Neal
THE BASICS
School: Kamehameha School (Honolulu, Hawaii)
Grade: Senior
Position: Forward/midfielder
Height: 5-foot-6
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Neal led the Warriors to a 13-1-1 record and the Division I state title this past season. She scored 13 goals and passed for 12 assists. The Honolulu Star-Advertiser Player of the Year, Neal is a two-time Interscholastic League of Hawaii All-Star and a member of the 2012 Division I All-Tournament Team.
Academic excellence: Neal has maintained a 3.67 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: She has volunteered locally with the Special Olympics and on behalf of multiple area road races.
Illinois Girls Soccer POY: Courtney Raetzman
May, 23, 2012
May 23
5:17
AM ET
By Ben Rohrbach | ESPN.com
A dedicated ESPNHS team managed this spring's Gatorade Girls Soccer Player of the Year selection process, resulting in winners based on the program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2012 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character.
For her 27 fellow Gatorade State Spring Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
For the 22 Gatorade State Fall Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Courtney Raetzman
THE BASICS
School: Conant (Hoffman Estates, Ill.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Forward
Height: 5-foot-3
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Raetzman led the Cougars to an 18-3 record entering the Class 3A Schaumburg Sectional semifinals, scheduled for Wednesday. She scored 28 goals and passed for six assists through 21 games, including nine multi-goal performances. A member of the U.S. Soccer Under-18 Women’s National Team and a 2011 Youth All-American selection for club play by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, Raetzman is a three-time First Team All-State honoree. Entering the sectional semifinals, she had recorded 71 goals and 29 assists in her prep soccer career.
Academic excellence: Raetzman has maintained a 3.54 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: She has volunteered locally as part of fundraising campaigns to benefit cancer and multiple sclerosis research and as part of multiple community service initiatives in association with the National Honor Society.
For her 27 fellow Gatorade State Spring Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
For the 22 Gatorade State Fall Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Courtney Raetzman
THE BASICS
School: Conant (Hoffman Estates, Ill.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Forward
Height: 5-foot-3
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Raetzman led the Cougars to an 18-3 record entering the Class 3A Schaumburg Sectional semifinals, scheduled for Wednesday. She scored 28 goals and passed for six assists through 21 games, including nine multi-goal performances. A member of the U.S. Soccer Under-18 Women’s National Team and a 2011 Youth All-American selection for club play by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, Raetzman is a three-time First Team All-State honoree. Entering the sectional semifinals, she had recorded 71 goals and 29 assists in her prep soccer career.
Academic excellence: Raetzman has maintained a 3.54 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: She has volunteered locally as part of fundraising campaigns to benefit cancer and multiple sclerosis research and as part of multiple community service initiatives in association with the National Honor Society.
A dedicated ESPNHS team managed this spring's Gatorade Girls Soccer Player of the Year selection process, resulting in winners based on the program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2012 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character.
For her 27 fellow Gatorade State Spring Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
For the 22 Gatorade State Fall Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Rose Ripslinger
THE BASICS
School: Assumption (Davenport, Iowa)
Grade: Sophomore
Position: Forward
Height: 5-foot-5
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: The returning Gatorade Iowa Girls Soccer Player of the Year, Ripslinger led the Knights to a 16-0 record entering this week’s regular-season finale against Davenport Central (Davenport, Iowa), scheduled for May 22. She scored 15 goals and passed for 10 assists through 16 games. A member of the U.S. Youth Soccer Region II Olympic Development Program team and the 2012 Quad-City Times Female Athlete of the Year, Ripslinger was a 2011 Class 1A First Team All-State selection and was honorary captain of the 2011 Class 1A All-Tournament Team.
Academic excellence: Ripslinger has maintained a 3.67 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: A two-time Class 3A state runner-up in the 400 meter dash as a member of the Assumption High Track and Field Team, she has volunteered locally as part of American Red Cross blood-donation drives and at the Ronald McDonald House in addition to donating her time on behalf of multiple community service initiatives in association with her church youth group.
For her 27 fellow Gatorade State Spring Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
For the 22 Gatorade State Fall Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Rose Ripslinger
THE BASICS
School: Assumption (Davenport, Iowa)
Grade: Sophomore
Position: Forward
Height: 5-foot-5
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: The returning Gatorade Iowa Girls Soccer Player of the Year, Ripslinger led the Knights to a 16-0 record entering this week’s regular-season finale against Davenport Central (Davenport, Iowa), scheduled for May 22. She scored 15 goals and passed for 10 assists through 16 games. A member of the U.S. Youth Soccer Region II Olympic Development Program team and the 2012 Quad-City Times Female Athlete of the Year, Ripslinger was a 2011 Class 1A First Team All-State selection and was honorary captain of the 2011 Class 1A All-Tournament Team.
Academic excellence: Ripslinger has maintained a 3.67 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: A two-time Class 3A state runner-up in the 400 meter dash as a member of the Assumption High Track and Field Team, she has volunteered locally as part of American Red Cross blood-donation drives and at the Ronald McDonald House in addition to donating her time on behalf of multiple community service initiatives in association with her church youth group.
A dedicated ESPNHS team managed this spring's Gatorade Girls Soccer Player of the Year selection process, resulting in winners based on the program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2012 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character.
For her 27 fellow Gatorade State Spring Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
For the 22 Gatorade State Fall Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Lexi Aiman
THE BASICS
School: Blue Valley West (Overland Park, Kan.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-foot-2
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Aiman led the Jaguars to a 15-1-2 record entering the Class 6A state quarterfinals, scheduled for May 22. She scored 20 goals and passed for 26 assists through 18 games. The 2012 Eastern Kansas League Most Valuable Player, Aiman was also the 2011 EKL Co-Offensive Player of the Year and a 2010 Class 6A First Team All-State selection when she led Blue Valley West to its second straight state title. She entered the state quarterfinals with 60 goals and a school-record 81 assists in her prep soccer career.
Academic excellence: Aiman has maintained a 3.96 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: An accomplished violinist, she has volunteered locally as part of a fundraising campaign for breast cancer research and as a youth mentor and soccer coach.
For her 27 fellow Gatorade State Spring Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
For the 22 Gatorade State Fall Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Lexi Aiman
THE BASICS
School: Blue Valley West (Overland Park, Kan.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-foot-2
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Aiman led the Jaguars to a 15-1-2 record entering the Class 6A state quarterfinals, scheduled for May 22. She scored 20 goals and passed for 26 assists through 18 games. The 2012 Eastern Kansas League Most Valuable Player, Aiman was also the 2011 EKL Co-Offensive Player of the Year and a 2010 Class 6A First Team All-State selection when she led Blue Valley West to its second straight state title. She entered the state quarterfinals with 60 goals and a school-record 81 assists in her prep soccer career.
Academic excellence: Aiman has maintained a 3.96 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: An accomplished violinist, she has volunteered locally as part of a fundraising campaign for breast cancer research and as a youth mentor and soccer coach.