A new National Award for Men's and Women's NCCA Division I soccer was announced today. The award was first established in basketball because of the trend of college players in men’s basketball leaving school early to play professionally. During the 2006-07 school year, the award began placing an emphasis on off-field achievements and also added four sports to the program. This year, the SCA is adding men's and women's soccer which has experienced exponential growth at the collegiate level in recent years. http://www.seniorclassaward.com/
The 20 Men's and Women's candidates for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award have been released. "Twenty male and twenty female players have been selected as candidates for the 2007 soccer awards, based on personal qualities that define a complete student athlete. While the on-the-field performance during their collegiate soccer careers is a factor in determining candidates and the eventual winner, their personal character and off-the-field achievements in the classroom and community are major areas of focus. " http://soccer.seniorclassaward.com/
Curious that an award designed to recognize players who came back for their senior year during a time when top prospects leave early, fails to list as one of it's 20 nominees the reigning MAC Hermann Award winner who turned down the chance to sign in both MLS and Europe to return for his senior year at Notre Dame and graduate.
I completely agree - you beat me to it. I also think this award has a much different meaning for the men than it does for the women in today's soccer landscape. Until the WUSA II gets underway, the women don't really have a lot of pro opportunities readily available. Therefore, staying in school really isn't much of an "achievement."
It's like that old Chris Rock routine: "[Some people] want credit for shit they supposed to do. 'I take care of MY kids!' Damn it, [some people] you supposed to take care of your kids, you dumb mother******. What do you want, a cookie?!?!"
http://youtube.com/watch?v=DYfnjh9liMo About two minutes in. (The above clip is NOT G-rated and contains language some may find offensive.)
Finalists have been announced and fan voting is now open. http://soccer.seniorclassaward.com/public/men/vote.aspx