KANSAS CITY, Mo. – United Soccer Coaches announced the 2020-21 NCAA Division I Player of Distinction recipients this week with Ally Schlegel and Frankie Tagliaferri representing Penn State women's soccer. The organization recognized 325 women's players across all three NCAA Divisions as well as NAIA, NCCAA and junior colleges.
A United Soccer Coaches first-team All-American and MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist, Schlegel (Parker, Colorado) was the Nittany Lions' top goal scorer for the second-straight year. The 2021 Big Ten Forward of the Year and All-Big Ten first-team pick, she earned All-North Region honors for the second time and was named the team's Offensive MVP for 2021.
Tagliaferri earned United Soccer Coaches second-team All-America honors in 2021 in addition to receiving All-Big Ten plaudits for the fourth time. From Colts Neck, New Jersey, she was named to the All-North Region first team for the second time in 2021.
The College Player Award of Distinction was established by United Soccer Coaches this past spring to extend opportunities for programs to recognize significant contributions by their student-athletes. The student-athletes were identified for accolades based on one or more criteria: for quality performance on the field, team leadership, quality character attributes including sportsmanship and respect for teammates, opponents, officials and the game in general, and making significant contributions to benefit the program and community.