Southern senior soccer captain Almarie Soto-Ortiz is not only a standout in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, but around the nation as well.
The midfielder from Hope-mills, N.C., was selected as a candidate for the Lowe’s Senior Class Award. Created in 2001, the award was initially given to basketball players, but has since added men’s and women’s soccer.
“I was pretty surprised because I didn’t know I was nominated,” Soto-Ortiz said. “It’s a really great honor.”
Soto-Ortiz is the only candidate representing the SWAC, an HBCU or Louisiana university in the sport of soccer.
“I’m very excited and proud to represent SWAC and HBCU’s,” Soto-Ortiz said. “Im very flattered.”
From the list of 30 candidates, a national media committee will select 10 finalists in both divisions in October. Those 10 names from each division will then be placed on the official ballot for a nationwide vote beginning October 9 and concluding November 19.
“I’m very proud of Almarie,” said SU coach John Knighten. “She’s been a leader on the field and off.”
Fan balloting will be coupled with votes from coaches and media to determine the recipient of the award. Winners will be announced during the 2008 NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Championships in Cary, North Carolina, scheduled for December 5-7.
Soto had five goals on 27 attempts last season. She also started all 18 games for SU.
“Almarie’s had a solid career here at SU,” Knighten said. “She’s a special player and an inspiration to everyone else on the team.”
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