Spartans End Season with High Achievements
11/19/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Written by: Alexa Hone & Brittany Paris
USC Upstate Athletic Communications
Spartanburg, S.C. – Under the guidance of third-year head coach Abby Minihan, the USC Upstate women's soccer team finished the 2014 season with several noteworthy accomplishments that bring renewed excitement and enthusiasm for future seasons in Spartanburg.
Several members of the team received individual awards and compiled statistical achievements that have rewritten the Upstate record books.
Junior forward Kenzie Major was named a member of the College Sports Madness All-Atlantic Sun second team after registering seven goals, which included three game-winning goals, en route to setting the Upstate single season record for goals in the Division I era. The Rome, Ga., native was a key performer for the Spartans all season.
"After a season like this one, we can't help but look to what is next," Major said. "After making the achievements we have, I have no doubt that next season will be special."
Junior midfielder Haley Gethin was a consistent performer for the Spartans and was a starter in all 17 games. She was rewarded for her continuous hard fought battles when she was named a member of the All-Atlantic Sun second team as voted on by the league head coaches.
Freshman Nicki Krejci helped the Spartans find movement in the attack this season and finished the year with a team-high four assists. Krejci played in all 17 games and recorded the most assists in a season at Upstate during the Division I era.
"I'm so blessed to have played in every game this season as a freshman, and I am glad that I was able to contribute to the goals that we scored," Krejci said. "I feel that we are going to be even better next year due to the freshman class gaining experience and the junior class having so much leadership entering their senior year. I know we are all looking to convert some of our losses into wins."
As the attack continues to improve on a goal-by-goal basis, the defenders also continue to make strides in keeping the ball out of the net. Junior defender Alexa Hone started the season by receiving a College Sports Madness Preseason All-Atlantic Sun second team award. Hone drew starts in all 17 games last season, moving into sole possession of third place all-time at Upstate in the Division I era with 53 career starts.
Junior goalkeeper Ellen Bright also played a huge role in the Spartans accomplishments this season. Bright helped improve the Upstate goals against average to the best in the Division I era.
"I think it's really cool to be a part of that accomplishment, but I honestly give credit to my back line because they made my job easy," Bright said. "I'm so excited to have another season left here, and I'm hoping to continue to bring that average down again next year."
Upstate begins preparation for next season when the Spartans start spring practice in January.
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