Dec. 11, 2007
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Two women's soccer players have received the honor of Academic All-American by ESPN the Magazine, pushing the Nittany Lions' number of individuals to be honored with women's soccer Academic All-America honors in the program's 14 years to seven. With a GPA of 3.75, senior English and psychology double-major Aubrey Aden-Buie (Allentown, Pa.) was named to the second team, and is receiving her second consecutive honor after earning third team accolades in 2006. Junior Zoe Bouchelle (Cockeysville, Md.), who currently holds a GPA of 3.87 in economics, was named to the third team.
Starting in 22 games for the Nittany Lions, forward Aden- Buie scored an impressive 12 goals for the 2007 season, including five game-winners. She added two assists to her tally for 26 points, which was second-best on the 10-time reigning Big Ten championship Nittany Lion squad. Aden-Buie received second team All-Big Ten accolades after being named a first team pick in 2006. Four of her five game-winning goals came either vs. ranked teams or in one-goal wins.
Third team Academic All-American Zoe Bouchelle |
Midfield unsung hero Bouchelle started 23 games and completed the season with two goals and four assists for eight points. The majority of Bouchelle's points came during Big Ten play, including a six-point weekend vs. Michigan and Michigan State. Four of her assists came in Big Ten play, which put her near the top of the conference in that category. She had the game-winner vs. Michigan State and her contributions earned her first team All-Big Ten status.
Seven Nittany Lions have received the prestigious honor previously, all since 2001. Five of these selections were to the first team, including Joanna Lohman for three consecutive honors from 2001-03. This season marked the first year since 2005 that two Nittany Lions earned Academic All-America honors. That year, Lindsay Bach was a first team selection, while Erin McLeod grabbed third team honors.
Penn State's 2007 season saw the Nittany Lions earn their 10th-consecutive Big Ten title and earn their 13th-straight NCAA berth. Penn State finished with a, 18-4-2 record and made it all the way to the NCAA third round under first year head coach Erica Walsh.
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