DAYTON, Ohio – The University of Dayton had four players named to the CoSIDA/ESPN Academic All-District IV women’s soccer teams.
The four selections were the most in District IV, and combined with the UD men’s three selections, the Dayton soccer programs had seven players honored. It was the second most in the nation in the University Division. Only Eastern Illinois, with eight selections, had more.
Junior defender Kathleen Beljan, of Hilliard, Ohio, led the way for Dayton with First Team honors. Junior midfielder Emily Kenyon, of Canton, Ohio, and sophomore forward Colleen Williams, of Titusville, N.J., were second team selections, while senior forward Kelly Blumenschein, of Beavercreek, Ohio, was named third team, earning ESPN Academic All-District honors for three consecutive years.
The first UD women’s soccer player to ever be named to the Hermann Trophy Watch List, Beljan carries a 3.60 GPA in chemical engineering. A 2009 NSCAA First Team All-Region selection, as well as a First Team Atlantic 10 pick, she is a cornerstone of the Flyer defense which has a league-best 11 shutouts this season. The UD defense is ranked seventh in the nation in goals against average (.519).
Kenyon, who carries a 3.78 GPA in chemical engineering, repeats as a second team selection, also earning the honor as a sophomore. She was one of 11 players named to the 2009 Atlantic 10 Academic All-Conference Team. She is key to both the Flyer offense and defense. Both her assists have come in A-10 play, and in the six conference games she has played the Flyers outscored opponents 19-1.
Williams, who was also recently honored on the TopDrawerSoccer.com Team of the Week, carries a 3.40 GPA in business. The 2009 A-10 Rookie of the Year leads the conference in points (41), goals (16) and assists (9). She is third in the nation in goals scored and fourth in total points.
Blumenschein, honored for the third consecutive year, carries a 3.72 GPA while double majoring in marketing and entrepreneurship, with a minor in Spanish. The two-time captain was named to the 2010 Lowe's Senior CLASS Top 30 List this season. She is a three-time Atlantic 10 selection and was one of 11 players named to the Atlantic 10 All-Academic Team.
Dayton, currently ranked No. 29 in the NCAA RPI, begins its quest to defend its Atlantic 10 Tournament Championship this Friday, Nov. 5 at 7:30 p.m. in Kingston, R.I. The Flyers earned a bye and will play the highest remaining seed at URI Soccer Complex.
