Five W&M Players Honored by Soccer Buzz

12/24/07 3:40PM

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. - Five members of the William and Mary women’s soccer team have been selected to Mid-Atlantic All-Region teams by Soccer Buzz. Juniors Claire Zimmeck and Danielle Collins garnered first-team honors, while junior Abby Lauer and freshman Kaitlin O’Connor were chosen to the second and third teams, respectively. Additionally, O’Connor and classmate Katy Winsper were tabbed to the All-Rookie Team.

Zimmeck’s selection marks the second consecutive season she has earned first-team all-region honors from the organization. One of the nation’s top players, Zimmeck was one of 15 semifinalists for the Missouri Athletic Club Hermann Trophy. The Fairfax, Va., native was also chosen as a third-team All-American by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) and earned Colonial Athletic Association Player of the Year distinction. Zimmeck ranked sixth nationally in goals per game (0.842) and among the conference’s best in virtually every offensive category, totaling 17 goals, 10 game-winning goals and 34 points.

A second-team all-region selection by Soccer Buzz last season, Collins had a terrific junior year and was selected as a third-team All-American by the NSCAA. Despite missing seven matches due to injury, Collins finished the season with 10 points on four goals and a pair of assists en route to earning All-CAA First Team honors. Named to the Preseason Hermann Trophy Watch List, the Cream Ridge, N.J., native also earned all-tournament team distinction at the VCU Invite and the Tribe Invite.

Lauer was chosen to the all-region second team after playing an instrumental role with the Tribe defensive unit. A second-team all-state selection and third-team all-conference honoree, she helped W&M allow just 0.48 goals per game and post 13 shutouts. The Oak Hill, Va., native finished the season with four assists.

O’Connor was a key member of the W&M defensive corps and started all 22 matches for the Tribe as a freshman. A first-team all-conference selection, she finished the season with eight points on three goals and a pair of assists. The Chantilly, Va., native also earned a spot on the CAA All-Rookie Team.

Like O’Connor, Winsper also started all 22 matches as a defender for the Tribe during her rookie season. The Virginia Beach, Va., native was chosen as the CAA Rookie of the Week on Oct. 8 following her performances in the victories against Hofstra and Northeastern.