SAINT LOUIS SCOTT GALLAGHER
ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The ECNL released the inaugural Girls ECNL / United Soccer Coaches All-Conference Teams and Conference Players of the Year, for the 2017-18 season. Twelve girls from the SLSG MO ECNL program were selected based on their performances throughout the Girls ECNL conference season.
The All-Conference team is comprised of 11 players in the U15, U16, U17 and U18/19 age groups. In addition, each team recognizes one individual to be named the Conference Player of the Year. Grace Bindbeutel (U15) and Anna Lawler (U18/19) were both named Midwest Conference Player of the Year.
Anna will be playing for Oklahoma State Women’s Soccer team this upcoming fall season.
Grace, who after attending the id2 / ECNL National Training Camp will be returning to play for the SLSG Missouri ECNL U16 team. “I was so taken back and humbled by the award,” said Gracie Bindbeutel. “I wouldn’t be anywhere close to where I am today without the support of my coaches and teammates.”
The other three members of the U18/19 All-Conference team are: Hadley Cytron, who is a current junior and will play again for the U18/19 team this upcoming fall season; Emily Groark (University of Colorado); and Delaney Schultz (Rice University).
“I’m very honored to be selected to the Midwest All-Conference team,” said Schultz. “It speaks to the hard work and talent of everyone involved.” Delaney continued to recognize others for their influences. “I’m proud to have been a part of such an amazing program and I know I benefited by going through this journey with my teammates.”
Emily Puricelli, Gretchen Skoglund and Syd Stephens were all named to the U17 All-Conference team. Syd, a true U16 player, played most of the season a year up on the 2001 ECNL team.
“I’m beyond grateful,” said Stephens. “It is great to be a part of a league that consists of some of the best players in the country. This award, from the league is a reflection of the hard work I and others have put forth day in and day out.”
Ava Tankersley was the sole representative on the U16 All-Conference team. “This is probably the hardest All-Conference team to be selected for,” said ECNL Director Ralph Richards. “The players and teams within the U16 age group this year was incredibly talented. For Ava to be named and acknowledged alongside some of the Midwest elite is an incredible achievement.”
Similar to the U18/19 team, the U15 group also had four members make the All-Conference team. “It is an honor to represent the club on the All-Conference team alongside three of my teammates,” said Jessica Larson a member of the U15 team. “It would not have been possible without our coaches, the hard work of the entire team, and how we motivate each other to be the best players we can be.”
“It’s such an honor to be selected for the Midwest All-Conference team,” said Maci Teater a member of the U15 team. “It’s more than just a game for me and I am happy to represent my club and the Midwest region.”
"I think, when seeing the announcement for those included in the ECNL National Camp as well as The ECNL All-Conference and All-American Teams, that it's an accurate reflection of our Programs season as a whole. I believe that each young lady that has been recognized earned it, and they each had a great impact on their respective teams. But there is no question in my mind that the awards are a consequence of the team doing well from seasons beginning to end. I'm really proud of the honors our girls are getting, I'm even more proud that the Program continues to progress and earn respect under the leadership of Ralph Richards and Staff."
Grace Bindbeutel
U15
Midfield / Forward
All-Conference Player of the Year
Kinley Brown
U15
Midfield
Jessica Larson
U15
Forward
Maci Teater
U15
Midfield
Ava Tankersley
U16
Midfield / Forward
Sydney Stephens
U17
Midfield
Emily Puricelli
U17
Goal Keeper
Gretchen Skoglund
U17
Forward
Hadley Cytron
U18/19
Midfield / Forward
Emily Groark
U18/19
Midfield / Forward
Anna Lawler
U18/19
Defender / Midfield
All-Conference Player of the Year
Delaney Schultz
U18/19
Midfield / Forward
“A True Reflection of the entire program,” ECNL Director Ralph Richards said when asked about so many girls being named on the four All-Conference Team. “It has been an exceptional season for the entire program. It would be hard to single out any one individual for the body of work the entire program (staff and players) have accomplished.”
Richards continued, “Of course, I am happy for these young ladies to be honored by the ECNL and United Soccer Coaches Association. Anytime a player receives an award, it should bring joy, happiness and most of all self-pride in their performances throughout the season.”
For full listings of all the ECNL All-Conference Teams click here https://goo.gl/2LXE3C
UNITY ⚜ HUMILITY ⚜ PASSION ⚜ RESPECT ⚜ TRADITION