and the trophies go to...

Most Improved Player

Our most improved player started the season as a “newbie”. She showed up to the first practice, and every practice thereafter ready to work, eager to learn and excited to play. She asked good questions, focused on each skill we taught her, and made great connections with girls on the team. She was always ready to play and made sure to take advantage of every minute on the field. Her positive attitude, dedication and athletic ability really paid off – she scored her first goal and discovered that she makes a great center! We’re so glad to have her on the team and can’t wait to see how good she’ll get next year. This year’s Most Improved Player is Jessica Ferris.

Coach’s/Sportsmanship Award

The coach’s/sportsmanship award goes to a player who consistently demonstrates what it means to be a good athlete. She must respect the game, her teammates, her coaches and the opposing team (or at least tolerate the opposing team). She must practice and play with focus, determination and team spirit. She must encourage her team to play better simply by the example she sets – and it doesn’t hurt if she can help them have fun. She should be a resource and example for the coach’s to draw from. This year’s coach’s award winner is a skilled athlete and wonderful teammate. She plays a position that rarely gets applause (and she’s never scored a goal), but that never stopped her from being an integral part of our team. She coaches girls on the field, encourages them on the sideline, and always shakes the referees hand at the end of the game. We value her so much, we didn’t even get mad when, 2 minutes into every game, she’d hustle off to put on her “I have a broken arm and need to wear this football pad” pad. The coach’s are pleased to award Amanda Doyle with the coach’s/sportsmanship award.

Most Valuable Player

Since the coach’s get our own award, I like to have the team choose the MVP. This year’s winner was the clear favorite – and deservedly so. She is a leader on and off the field, makes each practice fun (but also keeps up focused) and was always a difference-maker during games. This MVP scored 13 goals and was also essential on defense. She could take or control a draw, catch a goalie clear or take a penalty shot with ease – and usually did all three everyday. She can be a quiet presence who encourages the girls to focus on practicing hard, or she can be a wicked goofball who makes everyone forget that it’s raining again. The team voted her captain in the beginning of the season and I think this award is evidence of what a great leader she is. I’ve had the pleasure of coaching her since she was a middle schooler and wish her all the best in the coming years. Practices won’t be the same without your fairy wings and flow helmets, congratulations to this year’s MVP: Katelyn Ming.