December 5, 2001

COLUMBIA, SC – The University of South Carolina women’s soccer team held its 2001 banquet Tuesday evening. After finishing over .500 with an 8-7-3 record USC Head Coach Shelley Smith handed out four awards on the evening. Also announced were the 2002 captains. Juniors Becky Leeper and junior Melinda Carter were named captains for next year’s team. Carter was a captain this season.

Sophomore midfielder Melissa Hutson was named the Offensive MVP for 2001. Huston scored two goals on the year for the Gamecocks and was instrumental in establishing the South Carolina offense throughout the season.

Senior co-captain Lydia Bienias and freshman Sarah Lentz were named Co-Defensive MVP’s. Both Bienias and Lentz were part of a back four defense that allowed opponents only one goal per game throughout the season.

Receiving this year’s Coaches Award was senior Jessica Ward. Despite being injured for the 2001 season, Ward exemplified the essence of being both a teammate and a leader. Ward was again named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll and served as a motivator and teacher while on the sidelines for the Gamecocks.

The final award of the evening was Freshman of the Year awarded to Jessica Uecker. The South Dakota native, started all 18 matches for the Gamecocks and will continue to be an anchor on the defense for the next three seasons in the Garnet and Black.