Turning Women's Program from no win in 2012 to Regular Season Conference Champion
W-LEAGUE NEWS RELEASE, Thursday, July 25, 2013
W-League Awards Finalists Announced
TAMPA, Fla. – The W-League announced the finalists for its 2013 regular season honors today. The awards for Most Valuable Player, Rookie of the Year, Defender of the Year, Goalkeeper of the Year and Coach of the Year will be presented at Saturday’s Awards Banquet at the 2013 W-League Championship presented by Nike at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.
A total of 11 W-League teams are represented among the finalists, with the Virginia Beach Piranhas leading the way with three nominations. Shan Jones of the Piranhas and Emily Gielnik of the Ottawa Fury are both finalists for MVP and Rookie of the Year. Six of the nominees will participate in the 2013 W-League Championship presented by Nike Friday and Sunday in Bradenton. Votes for W-League honors are submitted by W-League team management and finalists are determined by All-Conference voting.
2013 W-League Award Finalists
MVP Finalists
Emily Gielnik, Ottawa Fury
Shan Jones, Virginia Beach Piranhas
Ashley Nick, Pali Blues
Coach of the Year Finalists
Tracey Kevins, LA Strikers
Sid van Druenen, Dayton Dutch Lions
Cindy Walsh, Laval Comets
Defender of the Year Finalists
Kathryn Acton, Laval Comets
Danielle Johnson, Bay Area Breeze
Blakely Mattern, Carolina Elite Cobras Brooke Spence, Colorado Rapids Women
Rookie of the Year Finalists
Emily Gielnik, Ottawa Fury
Kristen Hamilton, Colorado Rapids Women
Shan Jones, Virginia Beach Piranhas
Savannah Jordan, Atlanta Silverbacks
Goalkeeper of the Year Finalists
Elizabeth Hull, Carolina Elite Cobras
Erin McNulty, Seattle Sounders Women
Genevieve Richard, Laval Comets
Lauren Vetock, Virginia Beach Piranhas
President Mike Mossel had this to say on the nomination: "I am really proud of our Women's Program this year. After a good first year in 2011 we were struggling last year. Sid stood up and told me he wanted a shot of turning the program around. With building close relationships with the local universities and field a strong team that would compete for the Championship. I have watched him doing exactly that since he took charge last August as he said he would. From what I can tell the girls were a very close group and not only enjoyed the practices and games but also the club and the way everything was organized a lot. I have to thank Sid for that. But also don't forget Catherine Gordon who has played an important role this year. And all the office staff working with the team. Although the season ended disappointing losing the play off game against Carolina, I am convinced we will built on this success and come back even stronger next year."