Illinois State soccer player Heather Forsyth was named Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year at the 2003 Valley Soccer Banquet, while also making the all-conference first team.
MVP Player of the Year is an award that only two other Redbird soccer players have received. It was also only the second time a defensive player has won the Valleys players of the year award.
The Burlington, Ontario native was redshirted her freshman year and will have two more years of eligibility left after this season. She felt extremely honored when she received player of the year, especially after only playing two years at ISU.
I was really shocked because I wasnt really expecting that as a sophomore, Forsyth said. I thought we had a good chance of someone from our team getting it, but I didnt know who. We had so many players that have stepped up this year. Our whole back line did a great job this year, so any one of us could have gotten it.
The junior defender had an impressive year and helped the Birds clinch their first MVC Tournament title in school history. Forsyth kicked the game-winning penalty kick after two overtimes against Creighton. With that win, the team earned their first appearance at the NCAA College Cup.
That was a whole new experience for me and we all wanted to do so well , Forsyth said. It was our first time playing Kansas and I have a friend who plays for them, so that made it interesting.
Forsyth stated that she and her teammates learned a lot from this season.
We had 10 freshman, so it was basically like a completely new team, Forsyth said. We had to learn how to play with each other, and once we did, things started to come together. We lose 9 players after this year, so we will have to start that process all over again. Hopefully we can stay focused and play the way we can because we have a lot of great freshman that will step up next year.
Forsyths goals for next year are much like they were this season.
A major goal is to win Conference and be regular season champs by ourselves with no co-champion, Forsyth said. Another goal is to make it to NCAA again, but maybe make it a little bit farther, like second or third round.
Some of Forsyths other honors include Valley All-Tournament team selection, All-Valley honorable mention, Co-Defensive Redbird of the Year, and Athlete of the Week. She is also tied for third place for goals scored with three.
Forsyth is a special education major and wants to pursue her degree after she graduates.
I think after college I am going to call it quits on soccer, Forsyth said. I really want to look for a job with special education in a classroom. I also think that coaching special education athletes would be a great experience.
Written by Jolene Harrison, Student Assistant, Athletics Media Relations
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