Florida Soccer Team Holds Annual Banquet Saturday
Saturday, April 17, 2010 | Soccer
The University of Florida soccer team held its annual awards banquet Saturday afternoon at the Gator Room in the Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
Senior Lauren Hyde is the recipient of the 2009 Players' Choice Award. The Players' Choice Award is given to the athlete that makes the biggest impression both on and off the field, as voted on by the members of the team. For her outstanding season, Hyde was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year, a first in team history, while also being named to the All-Southeastern Conference first team, National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) All-South Region first team, and NSCAA All-America second team.
Hyde shared the team's Defensive MVP award with junior goalkeeper Katie Fraine. The pair played a key role for the Gator defensive effort, which allowed just two goals in the final eight matches. Fraine joined Hyde on the All-SEC and NSCAA All-South Region first teams. She also was named to TopDrawerSoccer.com's National Team of the Season first team.
The Offensive MVP award went to sophomore Lindsay Thompson. Thompson led the Gators in 2009 with team-bests of 10 goals and 22 points. Thompson was selected to the All-SEC second-team and the NSCAA All-South Region second-team.
The Iron Gator Award went to redshirt-freshman McKenzie Barney for her strength and conditioning work in- and off-season. Barney was also the recipient of the Erin Baxter Effort Award, given to a player who pushes the team to higher levels. Barney started in Florida's last eight matches, playing at forward for the last seven. She was second on the team in goals, with eight, and points, with 18.
Freshman Brooke Thigpen was awarded the Karyn Hall Academic Excellence Award for her overall academic achievement. Thigpen was named to the SEC All-Freshman team and finished fourth among the Gators with 16 points (six goals, four assists). The Robin Fulton Academic Achievement Award, given to the player who displays hard work and determination in the classroom, was awarded to sophomore Sarah Chapman. Chapman appeared in 20 matches, starting six, and was named to the 2009 SEC Academic Honor Roll.
During the 2009 season, Florida turned in a record of 16-6-2 and won its fourth consecutive SEC title with its 8-1-2 league record. The Gators earned its 13th NCAA Championship berth in 2009, advancing to the NCAA Second Round. In the final NSCAA poll, UF ranked No. 15.
| 2009 Florida Soccer Team Awards | |
| Players' Choice | Lauren Hyde |
| Offensive MVP | Lindsay Thompson |
| Defensive MVP | Katie Fraine & Lauren Hyde |
| Erin Baxter Effort Award | McKenzie Barney |
| Iron Gator | McKenzie Barney |
| Karyn Hall Academic Excellence | Brooke Thigpen |
| Robin Fulton Academic Achievement | Sarah Chapman |
