Four USF Dons Receive Post Season Recognition

Nov. 12, 2004

On Thursday afternoon, the West Coast Conference (WCC) released the name's of the women's All-Conference soccer team and four USF Dons were among the recipients. Senior midfielder Annika Schmidt along with sophomore forwards Shuree Hyatt and Chelsea Hunt were awarded spots on the conference's All-Second team, while freshman forward Kara Breithaupt was selected as a member of the All-Freshmen team.

For Schmidt and Hyatt, this is their second year in the WCC and their second straight year receiving such a nomination. For Chelsea Hunt, the Dons leading scorer and one of the most team's impact players, this is her first selection to the All-Conference second team.

Hunt, had a career year for the Dons as she led the team in both goals scored and overall scoring. Hunt's 21 total points was two points ahead of fellow forward Shuree Hyatt, who finished the season in second place in goals scored with eight, and in points with 19. More importantly, the two girls combined for seven game winning goals, as Hunt scored a team best five game winning goals, while Hyatt chipped in with two game winning tallies.

As for Schmdit, her two-year career at USF finishes with another All-WCC second team nomination. Her 14 total points was good enough for a third place tie in team scoring, but beyond that, Schmidt's deft handling of the ball and her excellent composure under duress was a source of confidence that USF Head Coach Pamela Kalinoski could always rely upon.

"I'm really happy for these three girls. Not only were they the top players on our team, but they were also top players in the conference. Each of these players brought something unique to the field and their ability to deliver on a consistent basis is one of the main reasons why we were able to have such a successful year." Said Kalinoski.

Additionally, Kara Breithaupt, a freshman defender from Santa Rosa, California was selected by the WCC onto the All-Freshmen team. Breithaupt's strong play on the backline and her ability to play every minute of the Dons season reflected her importance to the team, despite being just 18 years old.

"For Kara to step in and play major minutes for us was a major bonus. Her relentless work rate and confidence on the backline was very significant and it certainly was an impressive accomplishment for a freshman." Explained the USF Head Coach.

Now with the women's season at end, the effects of their best statistical season since 1997 are apparent. The Dons, who were picked to finish in last place in the WCC in a pre-season poll surprised everyone with an absolutely amazing season that saw San Francisco post an impressive 10-7-3 overall record, and a 3-4-0 WCC record. The team's three WCC victories allowed them to finish in a fourth place tie with Gonzaga in the conference, behind nationally ranked Portland, Santa Clara and San Diego.

"I think this season success has demonstrated our women's soccer program has made that upward progression towards becoming an elite team not only in the WCC but also throughout collegiate soccer. We are definitely on the right track." Said USF Head Coach Pamela Kalinoski.

If yesterday's All-WCC selections are any indication, Kalinoski's fellow coaches and conference members certainly agree with her.