C-USA Player of the Year Tara Kidwell Receives National Recognition

Tara Kidwell

UAB soccer standout Tara Kidwell was named an All-American on Monday by Soccer Buzz Magazine, as the senior continued to add to her already impressive resume.

Kidwell, a native of Leesburg, Va., was one of 13 players named to the honorable mention squad. She was named the 2004 Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year after leading the Blazers to the 2004 Marriott C-USA Tournament crown and the program's first appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Kidwell scored 15 goals and added eight assists during the 2004 season and is UAB's all-time leader in both goals and points.

"I am so pleased to see Tara selected as a Soccer Buzz All-American," said UAB head coach Paul Harbin. "She has worked incredibly hard for this. There has never been any doubt in mind that she is one of the top players in the country."

"This year's group of All-America forwards may be one of the most talented groups ever. What a great honor to see Tara selected amongst the best."

Kidwell was twice named the C-USA Offensive Player of the Week during the season and notched three hat tricks during the season. She was named to the NSCAA Southeast Regional Team last month, making the first team, and also made the Soccer Buzz All-Southeast Region squad.

Ten other C-USA women's soccer players were recognized by Soccer Buzz on a regional level. Kidwell's UAB teammates Briana McCarty and Jenny Rynders were named to the All-Southeast Region second and third teams, respectively. Meghan McCallion of East Carolina also earned a spot on the second team.

Saint Louis placed C-USA Defensive Player of the Year Courtney Hulcer on the All-Central first team, along with teammate Dee Guempel. Memphis defender Leanne McGee earned a slot on the All-Central second team.

Four C-USA players were recognized among the best in the Great Lakes Region, led by Louisville's Jamie Craft on the first team. DePaul's Julianne Sitch and Julie Thompson of Marquette were placed on the second team and Louisville defender Gina Lower was named to the All-Great Lakes third team.