Dec. 18, 2007
IOWA CITY, IA – Senior defender Sarah Stephenson was named the 2007 Most Valuable Player and Defensive Player of the Year for the University of Iowa soccer team. The announcement came Sunday from Head Coach Ron Rainey at the team’s annual awards banquet in Iowa City.
The Middleton, Wis., native started all 20 matches for the Hawkeyes. She was the leader on a stout Iowa defense that gave up only 24 goals all season. Stephenson finished the year with two goals and two assists, including a game-winner in overtime against Ohio State.
The award for Offensive Player of the Year was shared by a pair of midfielders in Jackie Kaeding (Coralville, IA) and Kelsey Shaw (Chino Hills, CA). The tandem combined for five goals and three assists and both will return in 2008.
The Most Improved Player award went to freshman Keli McLaughlin, who scored her first career goal in a 3-1, Big Ten Tournament quarterfinal loss to Penn State. The Alsip, Ill., native played in all 20 matches and finished with one goal and one assist.
The Freshman of the Year award was given to defender/midfielder Jenna Aleo. The Tinley Park, Ill., native played in 13 matches and recorded one assist despite missing a good portion of the season with a foot injury.
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