Shope Named NAIA All-American
Urbana sophomore defender earns honor
URBANA, Ohio (December 10, 2007) –The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) announced its picks for the 2007 NAIA Women's Soccer All-American teams, as chosen by the NAIA Women's Soccer All-American Selection Committee. Urbana University sophomore Kristen Shope (Dayton, Ohio/Carroll HS) was named an honorable mention all-American defender. Shope, a 5-foot-4 sophomore and defensive force for the Blue Knights, became the second Urbana women’s soccer player to be named an all-American.

She led Urbana to a school record 14 wins, which was also first in Region IX for most regular season victories. Shope played a central defensive position in Urbana’s three-back zonal system and was a key part of the defensive unit that posted a school record tying eight shutouts, which was third best in the Region. The Blue Knight defense allowed just 1.0 goals per game making them the fourth best team in the Region in season goals allowed.

“Kristen is a ferocious defender with great tackling and 1-v-1 skills,” said Urbana head coach Jim Wendling. “Her leadership as a central defender was a big factor in why we won 14 matches this fall, breaking the school record for wins in a season.”

Shope, who was named a co-captain by her teammates for the 2008 season, started 18 games and played in all 19 games during the 2007 campaign. She was also selected as a first team all-Region IX defender.

“I have coached Kristen for five years, including three years in club soccer, before she came to Urbana,” said Wendling. “She continues to get better. She is a tremendously hard worker.”

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