University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Women's Soccer Players Honored With Big South Conference Awards
10.28.2016 | Women's Soccer
CHARLOTTE, N.C.—Multiple players on the UNC Asheville women's soccer team were honored by the Big South Conference on Friday afternoon for both performances on the field and in the classroom as well.
Paige Trent and Emma Houser were both named Second-Team All-Conference.
Trent, the senior forward, has started in all 19 matches this season for the Bulldogs. She has scored five goals, two of which have been game winners, and recorded two assists for a total of 12 points on the year. “Paige is playing very dangerous this year,” Head Coach Michelle Demko stated. “Teams have to account for her because she is so capable of putting the team on her back and causes havoc in the final third.”
Emma Houser, the junior defender, has also started in all 19 matches this season scoring three goals along the way. “Emma is consistent under pressure and is one of our most versatile players, so her impact is being felt in a few positions on the field by multiple opponents,” Demko described. “She is a fighter and wants to find a way to win and that is evident in the way she plays.”
Caroline Houser was named to the Honorable Mention All-Conference. The junior forward leads the Bulldogs' squad with 14 points on three goals, two of which were game winners, and eight assists. She has started in all 19 games this season. “Caroline has been instrumental in setting up many dangerous opportunities this year resulting in goals as opposed to actually scoring those goals,” said the head coach. “Most front runners want all the glory but her ability and willingness to set plays up really defines her selfless attitude on the field.”
Keller Dixon was recognized for her performance in the classroom earning an All-Academic Team award. The redshirt sophomore goalkeeper is majoring in Health and Wellness Promotion while minoring in Neuro Science and has a 3.804 GPA. Dixon has recorded two 4.0 semesters while at UNC Asheville. “Keller is a big anchor in goal but most people don't know, she is equally completive in the classroom,” Demko claimed. “She graduated high school to attend UNC Asheville and achieved a 4.0 as a 17 year old in her first semester of college. Her competitive demeanor on the field is highly respective among her teammates and can also be seen in her dedication to the classroom.”
“I'm happy that our players and program received recognition for their hard work from the other coaches in the Big South Conference,” Demko stated. “I am happy for all players recognized. I also want to publicly acknowledge their teammates for helping to create an environment that challenges them to be better on a daily basis. I am proud of this group of young women who represent our university and this athletic department with such integrity and character.”
The No. 7 seeded Asheville Bulldogs will travel to face the No. 2 Liberty Flames this Sunday, October 30 at Osborne Stadium, in the Quarterfinals of the Big South Conference Tournament.
