Women's Soccer Hands Out Awards
December 13, 2005 | Women's Soccer
The Wisconsin women's soccer team held its annual banquet over the weekend to celebrate its 2005 Big Ten Tournament title season. Six seniors ' Marisa Brown, Erin Dubina, Becky Katsma, Katy Lindenmuth, Jessica Ring and Amy Vermeulen were also recognized for their contributions to the program.
Head coach Dean Duerst and assistant coaches Carrie Barker and Nick Carlin-Voigt presented the four captains ' Brown (Evanston, Ill.), Lindenmuth (Geneva, Ill.), Ring (Rockford, Ill.) and Vermeulen (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) ' with awards for their outstanding leadership during the 2005 season.
The coaches' award, given to the student-athlete who displays good sportsmanship, was given to Katsma (Plymouth, Wis.), a fifth-year senior.
Redshirt sophomore Lauren Rudzinski (Green Bay, Wis.) was given the most improved award after earning her way into the starting lineup and becoming an integral part of the Badger defense.
Rookie Elise Weber (Elk Grove, Ill.) was tabbed the freshman of the year. Weber finished her debut season with five goals, including the game-winner against Northwestern to give UW a berth in the Big Ten tournament.
The defensive player of the year award went to Ring for the second-consecutive year. Ring, who anchored the Badger defense, also scored against Michigan State in the Big Ten tournament semifinal game.
Vermeulen, who earned offensive player of the year laurels, shined at the conference tournament, scoring six goals in three games, including the game-winner with 17 seconds left against the Spartans. Vermeulen led the team with 13 goals and closed her career among the Top 3 in goals, assists and points.
Brown was named Wisconsin's most valuable player. A versatile and quick midfielder, Brown stepped up to fill in on defense when called upon and also was a threat offensively, scoring two goals and dishing a team-best 10 assists.
