University of North Carolina Athletics
Thompson Named Preseason Candidate for Tewaaraton Trophy
February 28, 2002 | Women's Lacrosse
Feb. 28, 2002
Washington, DC -- Twelve of the most talented female collegiate varsity lacrosse players in the nation, including University of North Carolina senior Kellie Thompson, have been selected as candidates for the second annual Tewaaraton Trophy, the most cherished and prestigious award a varsity lacrosse player can receive and a symbol of excellence in college lacrosse.
Thompson was a second-team IWLCA All-America in 2001 after being a third-team choice as a sophomore. She was a finalist for the Tewaaraton Trophy as a junior last year after setting a Carolina school record with 51 goals scored.
Fellow Tar Heel senior Christine McPike was named one of five "Players to Watch" for consideration for the award. McPike was a first-team IWLCA All-America after recording career highs with 36 goals and 44 points in 2001.
The Tewaaraton Trophy is presented annually following the collegiate season to the top female and male varsity collegiate lacrosse players in the United States. Scholarship money is given to the award recipient's college or university general scholarship fund.
The Foundation committee honors Native American heritage with the name "Tewaaraton," the name the Mohawk nation gave to their game and the progenitor of present day lacrosse and has received approval from the Mohawk Council of Elders.
Every eligible male and female college varsity player in Divisions I, II and III is considered a nominee. Nominations are requested from all varsity coaches. A selection committee comprised of coaches for both male and female candidates oversees the voting process.
There are five wild-card spots left open for a new candidate(s) who emerges during the season. The five finalists will be announced in May.
The Tewaaraton Trophy Awards Dinner will be on Wednesday, June 5, 2002 at banquet honoring the finalists and winners at The University Club of Washington, DC.
Top 12 Women (listed alphabetically)
Lauren Aumiller, Midfield, University of Virginia
Rachael Becker, Defense, Princeton University
Erin Elbe, Attack, Georgetown University
Suzanne Eyler, Midfield, Loyola College
Kristen Foster, Goal, Duke University
Lauren Gallagher, Attack, Duke University
Courtney Hobbs, Attack, University of Maryland
Stacey Morlang, Attack, Loyola College
Gina Sambus, Midfield, University of Virginia
Lauren Simone, Attack, Princeton University
Lisa Staedt, Midfield, James Madison University
Kellie Thompson, Attack, University of North
Carolina
Players to Watch
Julia Bergofsky, Midfield, Middlebury College
Tricia Dabrowski, Goal, Loyola College
Shannon Eidse, Midfield, West Chester University
Christine McPike, Midfield, University of North
Carolina
Carolyn Soults, Midfield, Syracuse University
