Top 11 Women

The top 11 Women is both easier and harder to put together. I have a better understanding of this list than the men's list. I have been present at almost every practice and every game since 1997 (except one - and I watched that on tape). So, in some ways, this list might be a little more accurate than the previous post since I had the privilege of coaching every one of these ladies. This list is based on playing ability alone - it is not based on whether or not I personally liked a player or not. Everyone knows that Lindsey "Lenny" Dykstra would be at the top of that list. :) I have also changed the formation from our typical 4-4-2 to a 3-4-3 because we have had so many outstanding forwards over the years. Furthermore, I have tried to stay away from current players whenever possible - even though there are several who have a chance to make the list as soon as they graduate. It is interesting that the top three forwards all have names that begin with "S".

Forwards

Sommer Rodolph - Sommer and Jen were the backbone of this program for years. Sommer was the first player who could really score, but her character and attitude were almost more valuable than the 42 goals she scored in her career
Stephanie Ujvary - the best outside shot while in the run of play. She would screen the ball, and as she turned her hair would whip out - before she even struck the ball, you knew it was going in the net. Just wish she had played more than 2 years. . . :)
Sarah Beardslee - always scores when the game is on the line. She has a weak shot, little speed, no size, but a great sense of timing and is one of the most competitive athletes I have coached. She is on this list because she claims that she won't be around next year, but she officially has one more year of eligibility. . . and only 7 more goals will put her in a tie for the all-time lead with Sommer.

Midfielders

Laura (Frazee) Shaver - A dominant midfielder. I always teased her about her lack of speed, but she still managed to dominate both ends of the field. She had a great percentage on free kicks, great heading ability and I have seen her toast over a half-dozen opposing players on the dribble with one possession.
Kim Gavitt - Kim never played high school soccer, yet she became one of the best midfield defenders we have ever had. She also became an outstanding passer by the end of her time here. She always had fun on the field and never missed a start in three seasons.
Cheri (Knepp) Wredberg- struggled with injury through two seasons, but was a great contributor. Too bad her career could not have been longer. When she was 100%, she could control the game.

Christine (Yogerst) Ulrich - Christine did not possess the greatest ball skill, but she improved every season. Her hustle and athleticism were off the charts. She never missed a start in four years of college soccer.

Defenders

Jennifer Adam - the only player on this list who might have had more athleticism than Christine. Jen spent most of her career in the defense, but still managed to be our all-time leader in assists with 23. Jen came in as a dominant athlete and finisher her career as a dominant soccer player.
Angela Fenstermacher - probably a better pure defender than even Jen, her strength was reading the play. Ang taught all of the other players on this team to play tough physical soccer and love it. Ang never backed down from anyone. She will leave a huge whole for us to fill in 2007 and no, that is not a fat joke. Angela's greatest accomplishment was in never missing even a half of play in four years!
Kimberly (Kowalcyk) McCuiston - the energizer bunny. Kimberly had speed and heart and faithfulness. Unfortunately, our team did not start to win very much until after KJ graduated, but that was no reflection on her. She was a big part of our playoff win against CUW in 2002. Somehow, I haven't been tp'ed, forked, chalked or come home to garbage bags full of leaves all over my yard since then either. . .

Goalkeeper

Monica Swaagman - there may be a GK or two who was a better athlete, but no one else stayed for four years and won more games. Monica worked hard to make herself into a quality netminder.

Honorable Mention

Colleen (Schultz) Keppley, Katrina (Alcorn) Blevins, Allison (Skrade) Yorgey, Naomi Cogswell, Jacqui Smith, Angela Seeley, Jamie (Crandell) Jaques, Susie Ferris, Kylie McMillen