November 8, 2001

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Southeastern Conference announced the 2001 All-SEC teams Wednesday evening. Among the players honored, included two South Carolina players. Sophomore Jessica Julin earned first team All-SEC and junior Melinda Carter earned second team All-SEC.

A native of Finland, Julin scored three goals and had eight points for the Gamecocks this season. After a stint with the Finnish National Team this summer, Julin came back to start in 11 of 12 matches this season for the Gamecocks. Julin had two game-winning goals for USC against Ole Miss and UNC-Greensboro. Last year as a freshman, Julin earned second team All-SEC honors.

“I think Jessica Julin is a top level player and she is very valuable on our team both offensively and defensively,” said USC Head Coach Shelley Smith. “She played every game at 100 percent and has garnered the attention from the other coaches in the conference that she deserves.”

After recovering from a leg injury from the 2000 season, junior Melinda Carter came back strong and healthy for the 2001 season. Named co-captain along with senior Lydia Bienias, Carter demonstrated leadership on and off the field. Carter finished the year with three goals and four assists and was also named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll this past week.

“This is great recognition for Melinda,” said Coach Smith. “She wasn’t sure how she would do at a new position (left midfield), but she had a great attitude and did a great job for us. Coaches saw how dangerous she could be and she became more involved in our attack then she had ever been.”

The Gamecocks finished the season 8-7-3 and ranked No. 10 in the Southeast Region according to the NCSSA/adidas poll.