Stewart named Sky-Em's Soccer Player of the Year

Liz Stewart received top honors as Player of the Year when all-league honors were announced this past week. Stewart was instrumental in each game the Outlaws played and helped lead Sisters to a league finish in a tie with Junction City as co-champions.

Stewart, also a first-team all-league pick, was one of the best defenders in the league and the most lethal offensive weapon the Outlaws possessed. As a sweeper, Liz scored 13 goals in league, more goals than any other player on the team. Many of these goals were scored on set plays, such as corner kicks, free kicks and penalty kicks.

Stewart was selected as Player of the Year over two top Division 1 recruits from Junction City. Coach Audrey Tehan told The Nugget that in her opinion Stewart proved stronger because in the face of difficulties her dribbling skills, accurate shots, defense, and leadership were always at an extremely high level and she always executed in the toughest situations.

"Liz is diverse and unlike the other Division 1 recruited players in the league," stated Tehan. "Teams learned quickly that if they gave up a free kick within 40 yards of their goal, Liz would probably score. Teams were also troubled on how they were going to score on the Outlaws with Liz in the back, as she was nearly impossible to go through. Liz did not need to come out for a single game all season. She held the team together, directing and organizing the team from the defense. She never showed frustration and her play only got stronger and better when things got tough."

Tehan added, "The coaches in the Sky-Em, including myself, see how unique a player Liz is. She can kick the ball well past half field on her goal kicks, which is further than most collegiate men soccer players, and she can combine this strength with accuracy on free kicks or shots from 40 yards out."

In addition to Stewart, Natalie Ambrose and Michaela Miller also earned first-team all-league recognition. These three players created a strong backbone for the Lady Outlaws through the center. If you got past one, you had another one to face.

Ambrose (junior) provided great speed for the Outlaws. Natalie was the fastest player on the team over both short and long distances. Natalie scored eight goals and recorded two assists.

"Natalie has amazing footwork and is deadly when she gets the ball at the feet and starts running up the field," said Tehan. "All the coaches who have played Natalie remember her as a big threat and as a great soccer player to watch. Natalie is also one of our team captains, and always leads by example and hard work."

Miller, just a freshman, was also a top pick and did a tremendous job at defensive center for the Outlaws. Michaela scored two goals and tallied two assists in league play.

"Michaela was put one-on-one with Junction City's Division 1 recruit, Shaylee Miner, and Miner only scored one goal that was a perfect shot under pressure," said Tehan. "Michaela is very strong and can push anyone off the ball. Her speed and technical skills also allow her to be a strong attacking player from the back. The coaches in the Sky-Em know that if they have a player going up against Michaela, rarely will they get by her."

Emily Corrigan and Haley Carlson, both juniors, earned second-team all-league honors. Emily tallied six goals and two assists in league. Haley posted six goals and five assists. A majority of Carlson's assists came off her great corner kick serves.

"Emily's speed and tenacity makes her a very big threat to other teams in the league and in the state," said Tehan. "She is one of our team captains and shows amazing leadership skills on and off the field. Haley has been reliable all season and has not needed to come out a single game the entire season. She is one of our best playmakers at outside midfielder."

Molly Boyle (sophomore), Anna Ortega (freshman center midfield and sweeper) and Taylor Schneider (keeper) all received honorable mention. Boyle hasn't been able play since mid-season due to a stress fracture, but her three goals and strong play proved her a strong asset for the team. Ortega stepped up for the Outlaws as the season progressed. Her unstoppable defense in the midfield proved to be a big problem for many of the Outlaws' opponents. Ortega constantly broke up team's plays and turned the ball around for the Outlaws, many times in critical situations. Schneider, a freshman, did an incredible job in the goal and tallied numerous saves for the Outlaws.

To top it off, first-year coach Tehan was honored as Co-Coach of the Year, along with the Junction City coach.

"I am extremely proud and excited about the all-league titles the team and individuals received," stated Tehan. "All of these girls are not just great soccer players, but amazing young women. I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with this group of girls. I am honored at the recognition I received but the only way I was recognized for this award is because of the girls and how they played this season.

"They played well but the Cottage Grove coach told me that his team was most impressed with the morale and spirit of our girls," added Tehan. "He told me 'When your girls won they did it with more dignity than most other teams we play.' At the start of the season I told the girls I would only lead a team that wanted to be positive, supportive and believe that the harder we all work the more fun we will have. The girls bought into that idea and helped make this a great season."