ELON, N.C. – Elon women’s soccer forward Molly Calpin was recently selected to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Scholar All-Region third team. The leading goal scorer for the Phoenix in 2009, Calpin also maintained a 3.68 GPA as a public relations major. The senior was one of only three Southern Conference players honored among the first, second and third teams.
Four Elon women’s soccer student-athletes also earned honorable mention recognition on the scholar all-region team: defender Lauren Griffith, midfielders Alix Heinicke and Alanna Winsper and forward Brittany Hallberg.
“I am very happy that Molly, Lauren, Alix, Brittany and Alanna have been recognized by the NSCAA for being outstanding student-athletes,” commented Phoenix head coach Chris Neal. “They are very deserving of this honor and have represented Elon University, both on the field and in the classroom, with a tremendous amount of integrity and class.”
To be nominated for the scholar all-region awards, a student-athlete must have at least a 3.30 cumulative GPA throughout her career, be a junior or above in academic standing, start more than 50 percent of all games and be a significant contributor to the team.
Calpin had an impressive final year in the maroon and gold, scoring a team-high six goals. The second-team all-conference honoree netted five game-winning goals, including an overtime strike with 17 seconds remaining to lift Elon to its first-ever win over Furman. Calpin concluded her four-year career with 17 goals, eight assists and 42 points.
Griffith, a starting defender for Elon, holds a 3.68 GPA as an accounting major. The senior scored a penalty kick goal in Elon’s 2-1 victory over UNC Asheville. Heinicke, earned nine starting nods in 17 appearances for the Phoenix in her final season. The business major has maintained a 3.56 GPA. Winsper netted two goals and added an assist in 2009. The junior is majoring in strategic communications and holds a 3.33 GPA. Hallberg had an impressive junior season for the Phoenix, ranking fourth on the team with seven points. Hallberg, an education major with a 3.49 GPA, scored three goals, including two game-winners, and added an assist.
Elon was also recognized with the NSCAA Ethics/Sportsmanship “Silver” Award for the second consecutive year. To receive the sportsmanship award, a team must not have received any red cards at any time during the season. Silver award recipients received no more than five yellow cards throughout the season. With only four yellow cards in 2009, Elon had the lowest total of any team in the league for the second straight year. The Phoenix was the only SoCon squad to earn the sportsmanship award.
“Earning the NSCAA Sportsmanship Award is a true testament to our team culture,” Neal said. “We are an honest and hard-working team that enjoys every victory we earn. I feel this award truly symbolizes our Elon University mission and our team’s respect for our opponents, officials and the beautiful game of soccer.”
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