The Illinois State womens soccer team held its annual banquet on Sunday at noon in the Ballroom at the Bone Student Center.
Senior midfielder Chrystal Johnston received the biggest honor of the season, the Most Valuable Player Award. Johnston, a two-time captain, garnered Missouri Valley Conference Tournament MVP honors after shutting down Creightons best player in the title match. She also earned GFC Player of the Game accolades for that game. In addition to the recognition Johnston received for her play in the conference tournament, she also earned All-Valley Second Team honors.
Junior defender Heather Forsyth earned the Defensive Player of the Year Award after anchoring the Redbird defense in 2003. Forsyth earned numerous awards in 2003, including Valley Player of the Year and Valley Defensive Player of the Week accolades, as well as being named to the Valley All-Tournament Team. Forsyth also had three game-winning goals on the season.
Senior forward Diana Puckett, who led the Birds with four goals and eight points in 2003, took home Offensive Player of the Year honors. She recorded Illinois States only goal in NCAA Tournament play in ISUs 3-1 loss to Kansas in the first round. Freshman forward Meghan Boler earned the Most Improved Player Award.
Head coach Pete Kowall along with assistant coach Mike Bristol and captains Allison Farrington and Johnston announced the creation of the Cheryl Sarnwick Award, in honor of senior goalkeeper Cheryl Sarnwick. Starting next year the award will be presented annually to a player who displays dedication to the team, a positive attitude and commitment to Illinois State soccer.
Kowall also announced the captains for the 2004 squad: junior midfielder Lauren Kahlenbeck and Forsyth, along with sophomore defender Joyce Kleinheinz.
