Carson-Newman Women’s Soccer Nets Four All-Region, One All-American By The NSCAA

KANSAS CITY, Kan. – The Carson-Newman women’s soccer team is well-represented on the 2009 NSCAA All-Southeast Region and All-America teams as the Lady Eagles garnered four all-region players and one All-American. The announcement was made Wednesday by the NSCAA (National Soccer Coaches Association of America).

C-N also finished the season ranked fifth in the nation after reaching the Elite Eight for the third time in school history and first time since 2005. The team posted a 20-3-1 overall record in the 2009 campaign and won the South Atlantic Conference Regular Season Title for the fifth time in seven years and advanced to the NCAA Division II Playoffs for the seventh straight season.

“What a week it has been for our Women's Soccer Program. Finishing the year with a National Ranking of fifth is an amazing honor for our program the college and our conference,” said Head Coach Phil McNamara. “This has been a remarkable season and one to remember, especially with such a young team. Also to have four players making the NSCAA All-Region Team, three of whom are from Tennessee! The players need to be extremely proud of their achievements; this was a fantastic season.”

Junior midfielder Morgan Gruenenfelder (Sweetwater, Tenn.) was named to the All-Southeast Region First Team and also took home Third-Team All-America Honors. Gruenenfelder tallied five goals and four assists for a total of 14 points this season including one match-winner. She is the first Lady Eagle from the state of Tennessee to be named a NSCAA All-American.

“The staff are delighted for Morgan; she is an outstanding player and we are extremely proud to have her represent our program,” added McNamara. “I'm convinced “G” could have played for any program at any level in the Country and she chose Carson-Newman. Her attitude and application has been simply first class; she is an outstanding Student-Athlete!”

Senior forward Nikki Brannen (Soddy Daisy, Tenn.) and sophomore forward Trenna Howell (Oak Ridge, Tenn.) were selected as second-team all-region players. Brannen recorded 10 goals and six assists for 26 points and had one match winner while Howell led the team in all offensive categories as she recorded 13 goals (seven match-winners) and nine assists, which was good for 35 points.

Sophomore midfielder Sandra Kaelin (Trachslau, SWITZERLAND) rounded out the all-region accolades as she was named to the All-Southeast Third Team. Kaelin posted 11 goals, five assists and 27 points including three match-winners.

The NSCAA All-Region teams are voted on by the head coaches of each of the respective regions in Division II and the All-America Teams are selected by head coaches across the nation.