Moline's Musings

Soccer Banquet Notes

Posted by: Brian Moline

Sunday, March 1, 2009 5:09 PM

Janet Rayfield and the Illinois soccer team took one more look back at the 2008 season, which culminated in a Sweet 16 appearance in the NCAA Tournament, at their annual team banquet.  The following awards were presented by the coaching staff:

* Most Improved Player - Jamie Alvis

* Offensive MVP - Chichi Nweke

* Defensive co-MVP's - Danielle Kot and Alexandra Kapicka

* Illinois CHAMP Award - Jamie Alvis

* Jeremy L. Daly Award for Excellence - Krystin Miller

* Team MVP - Emily Zurrer

A couple of notes on the above awards.  The CHAMP award was awarded for the first time this year to the player with the best won-loss-tie record in practice in all drills.  Alvis is a fitting winner of this award, as she went from a player who wondered if she would ever see significant playing time, to a starter who contributed to the second best defense in terms of goals allowed in school history.

As for the Jeremy L. Daly Award for Excellence, this award was established in the first year of the soccer program by head coach Jillian Ellis, now the head coach at UCLA.  Here are Ellis' words in describing this award:

"This award is given to outstanding character and commitment to excellence.  It is selected by the coaches and is awarded to the individual who exemplifies excellence as a player, teammate and student-athlete at the University of Illinois.

This award honors a young man I was priviliged to know for most of his young life.  Jeremy Daly was a constant source of happiness to those who loved him.  Jeremy embraced life; he was never without a big grin on his face and was quick to offer a hug.  He loved all sports and was an excellent swimmer and diligent student.

Jeremy was born with Retinitis Pigmentosa, a rare disease which gradually takes both hearing and eyesight.  Yet despite such adversity, Jeremy always remained happy and positive.  As a young coach, what was most impressive to me was his courage to try new things; Jeremy always believed he could. 

It is with tremendous pride that I am able to honor Jeremy in this small way and thank him for having touched my life in such a profound manner."

Miller was credited by Janet Rayfield for embracing her role on this year's Illini team, despite not getting many minutes on the field.  This was embodied by Miller's comments after the NCAA second round win over Missouri, in which she converted a penalty kick for the Illini in the shootout victory.

Also, take the time to watch the season highlight video.  It's well worth a few minutes of your time.

bmoline@wdws.com

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