Dec. 11, 2009
RUSTON, La. - Headlined by a NSCAA Team Academic Award, members of the Louisiana Tech women's soccer team received numerous awards at an end of the season ceremony.
"A lot of what they do does not get recognized and this award is a true reflection of all the hard work and sacrifices these young people have put into their studies," said head coach Kevin Sherry.
The academic award is given by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America to teams with a cumulative 3.00 GPA. The Techsters easily surpassed that with a 3.42 GPA for the fall semester.
"I am immensely proud of what the ladies have achieved; on the field, with the record breaking season, in the classroom with this amazing team average GPA, and in the community with the hours of community service they do," Sherry said. "This award is just one small part of what they do and I am so happy for them to be recognized."
Senior Kat McCullough was named MVP of the LA Tech team that finished with a program-best 12-7 record. McCullough scored five goals and provided six assists while setting the Tech career record for games played.
Junior Kiva Gresham was named offensive player of the year with eight goals and six assists. Sophomore Chelsea White and freshman Lindsay Brough were named co-defensive players of the year. Sophomore Brittany Coffinbargar was the most improved player after she had three goals and three assists.
The team award was given to those players who best reflect the program's four pillars of family, respect, fearless and passion. The recipients of the award were sophomore Amy Quintana, sophomore Scotti Culton and senior Hikari Kurokawa.
Special mention was given to junior Brooke Lanie who graduated early. She was presented with a team photograph and a framed Tech letter in recognition of her three seasons with the program.
The awards were voted on by the team members and coaching staff.
MVP: Kat McCullough (Coppell, Texas)
Offensive Player of the Year: Kiva Gresham (Albuquerque, N.M.)
Co-Defensive Players of the Year: Chelsea White (Lucas, Texas) and Lindsay Brough (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Most Improved Player: Brittany Coffinbargar (Springfield, Ill.)
Team Award: Amy Quintana (Wheaton, Ill.), Scotti Culton (Waterloo, Ill.) and Hikari Kurokawa (Okayama, Japan)
