DES MOINES, Iowa - The Drake women's soccer team celebrated its 2011 campaign at the
squad's annual award dinner on Saturday (April 21) as head coach
Lindsey Horner handed out nine awards
to seven student-athletes.
Junior Laura Moklestad (Des
Moines, Iowa/Roosevelt) was honored as the Bulldogs' offensive most valuable
player for the second-consecutive season. A two-time first-team
All-Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete honoree, Moklestad started all
19 games for the Bulldogs. She registered team-leading marks in goals
(4), points (9), shots (47), shots on goal (24), and in game-winners (1) en
route to capturing second team All-MVC and MVC All-Tournament playing honors.
Claiming the squad's most valuable defensive player honors for the
second-straight season was sophomore Megan Fisher (Ankeny, Iowa/Ankeny). This award is given to the player
who, in the eyes of the team, was the most valuable defensive player during the
season. Fisher followed up a stellar rookie campaign with another strong
sophomore season from her defender's slot, helping anchor a defensive unit that
posted two shutouts, while offensively providing a goal and two assists.
The most improved player award went to freshman Katie Helmlinger (Cedar Rapids,
Iowa/Kennedy). The honor is bestowed upon the player whose contributions
on the field have shown the most improvement from the previous season as well
as through the course of the fall season. Helmlinger made strong contributions
to a Drake offensive unit registering 19 shots, including 11 on goal and
recording one assist.
The Amber Clapp (Player's Award) was given to senior Lindsey Johnston (Lincoln,
Neb./Southeast). This award is given to the member of the team who, in
the eyes of her teammates, embodies the values, ideals, and spirit of the
team. The players' award values contributions made off the field and
recognizes the player who, through her attitude and actions, acts as an
ambassador for Drake Women's soccer.
The Coaches' Award went to Moklestad. The coaching staff awards
the honor to the player who has maintained the highest standards both on and
off the field in the areas of performance, effort, and enthusiasm.
Fisher was honored with Burch's Award. Fisher, as chosen by Drake
head strength and conditioning coach Mike Burch, maintained the highest standards in the weight room in
the areas of work-rate, attitude and mental toughness.
The Academic Excellence award went to sophomore Kiah Swanson (Fort Collins, Colo./Poudre) and junior Tara Zika (St. Louis, Mo./Ursuline),
who boast 4.00 and 3.75 grade-point averages, respectively, majoring in
elementary education and law, politics and society. The award is given to
the player(s) who earned the highest GPA in a calendar year. Both
maintained a 4.0 for both the spring and fall semesters for 2011.
The final accolade of the evening was the Friday Finisher award, which
was bestowed upon Fisher. This spring the Drake team was split into four
teams with members switching every three weeks. Each Friday a soccer
tournament was held as well as a weight room competition. Each individual
earned points for their respective team and carried them during the Bulldogs'
indoor campaign.
Drake also celebrated the careers of its six seniors in Lauren Berner (Omaha, Neb.), Angela Chigazola (Santa Rosa, Calif.), Melanie Fielder (Burbank, Calif.), Danielle Figliola (Longmont, Colo.), Johnston and Amanda Wallace (Centennial, Colo.).