The Great Northeast Athletic Conference office released the 2008 All-GNAC first, second, third and Sportsmanship teams on Tuesday with four Sharks earning accolades.  Sophomore Anya Bottaro was named to the second team, sophomores Brooke MacKenzie (Mansfield, Mass.) and Katie Foley (Rochester, N.H.) garnered third team honors.  Junior Kelly Muirhead was selected to the all-conference sportsmanship team. 

"All of our student-athletes are deserving of recognition for the commitment and dedication they put into our soccer program," said Head Coach Erica Mastrogiacomo.  "I am proud to have four players from Simmons listed among the top players in the conference. Anya, Brooke, Katie and Kelly are all very talented athletes with competitive spirits that bring out the best in their teammates."

A product of Winchester, Mass. Bottaro ranked third on the team in points on four goals and two assists for 10 points.    

"Anya has a scrappy style of play that intimidates her opponents," said Mastrogiacomo.  "You will often see her slide-tackling and challenging every 50/50 ball without fear.  Her ability to strike the ball with power is a huge asset to her game."

Earning all-conference honors for the second straight year, MacKenzie was the Sharks leading scorer with 29 points (13 goals, 3 assists), three of her 13 goals were game-winners.  In her second year at Simmons, MacKenzie has seen her name move up the record books, she's ranked 10^th all-time in single-season goals scored (13) and is ranked 10^th in single-season points (13G, 3A - 29 Pts). 

"Brooke is a very skillful attacker who has the ability to tear apart opponents' defenders," said Mastrogiacomo.  The ball is like glue to her feet and she is always looking for a shot on goal. She has been a leader on offense for us the past two seasons and is a rising leader on the team.

One of the top defenders in the conference in her second year at Simmons, Foley started in all 19 matches and guided the Sharks to three shutouts. 

"Katie Foley is a tenacious defender and has blossomed into a vocal leader while anchoring our defense," said Mastrogiacomo.  "She always rises to meet every challenge head on and her work rate at training has made her a leader by example. She plays with her heart on her sleeve without question."

Muirhead posted two goals, two assists and six points on the year.  She played in all 19 games, making 13 starts.  Muirhead was credited with the game-winning assists against Pine Manor on Oct. 18. 

"Kelly Muirhead has one of the most consistent work rates on our team," said Mastrogiacomo.  "She never stops running on the field and during training sessions she is focused and is extremely coachable.  She has been a utility player for us this season and the bottom line is that she can play anywhere on the field and make an impact.  Her energy is infectious and her teammates are motivated by her play."