Soccer Honors Seniors at Postseason Banquet

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The University of Miami soccer team held its annual postseason banquet Saturday, where the senior class was honored and four individuals were recognized.

Miami’s five seniors – goalkeeper Emily Lillard, defender Maddie Simms, forward Ashley Flinn, and midfielders Erin McGovern and Jasmine Villaverde – were each given framed jerseys in a special presentation by head coach Mary-Frances Monroe.

“The banquet was a great opportunity to celebrate the senior class and recognize all the contributions they’ve given to this program over the last four years,” Monroe said.

Simms was named Defensive Player of the Year, while McGovern took home the Unsung Hero Award.

Simms started all 18 games of the season for the fourth straight year, and ended her career with 73 consecutive starts on the backline. McGovern, who led the team with three assists, started all 18 games in the midfield and ranked second on the team in goals and points.

Two other players were recognized with individual awards: junior midfielder Natalie Moik was named Offensive Player of the Year while midfielder Grace Rapp was named Rookie of the Year.

Moik led the team with four goals, including a hat trick in a road win over NC State. Rapp started 17 games in her first season, including a stretch of 15 straight to end the fall.

“Honoring the award winners – Natalie, Maddie, Grace and Erin – for their accomplishments this fall made for a special night,” Monroe added.

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