WUSA Announces Six Award Winners

Published on August 20, 2002 under Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA) News Release

ATLANTA (Wednesday, August 21, 2002) - With only four days remaining until Founders Cup II at Herndon Stadium in Atlanta, (televised live on PAX at 4:00 p.m. ET), the Women's United Soccer Association today announced the recipients of the Coach of the Year, Goalkeeper of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Goal of the Year Humanitarian of the Year and Referee of the Year.

Coach of the Year - Mark Krikorian - Philadelphia Charge
Philadelphia Charge Head Coach Mark Krikorian was the recipient of the 2002 WUSA Coach of the Year award for his club's regular season performance. Once again, Krikorian overcame the skeptics and guided the Charge to its second consecutive postseason appearance and a second-place finish in the WUSA standings. Most reporters pegged Philadelphia as a middle of the pack team heading into the 2002 season. In his second season as head coach of the Charge, Krikorian overcame the loss of his best player (Kelly Smith) and relied on an unknown Frenchwoman (Marinette Pichon) to lead the club to an 11-4-6 record (39 pts).

The WUSA Coach of the Year award goes to the head coach that has developed a team that has performed to exceptional levels and demonstrates an attractive and engaging style of play during the regular season. WUSA coaches, general managers, players and members of the media voted for the Coach of the Year.

Goalkeeper of the Year - Kristin Luckenbill - Carolina Courage
Carolina Courage goalkeeper Kristin Luckenbill captured the 2002 WUSA Goalkeeper of the Year award. The Paoli, PA product led all WUSA goalkeepers with 12 wins and 114 saves while ranking second in winning percentage (66.7). Her outstanding performance in net was instrumental in the Courage capturing the 2002 WUSA regular season championship.

Coming off a 2001 season in which the Courage finished with a 6-12-3 mark (21 pts.), Luckenbill led Carolina from a worst-to-first turnaround in 2002. The co-Player of the Month for April became the first 'keeper in WUSA history to record more than 100 saves in a single season. On April 27, Luckenbill recorded a then-WUSA-record 12 saves versus San Jose to capture the Player of the Week honors for the week ending April 28. Her 12 victories in 2002 set a new league-record for wins in a season. The Dartmouth product was the only Courage player to play every minute (1,890) during the 2002 regular season.

The Goalkeeper of the Year is an annual award given to the player who regularly exemplifies outstanding saves and consistently controls her penalty area and defensive zone. She repeatedly demonstrates the ability to come up with key saves during the game. Nominees were not restricted by statistics. Key saves in important games are a trademark of this goalkeeper, although, the team's success is not an overvalued factor in this award. WUSA coaches, general managers, players and members of the media each cast votes for this award.

Rookie of the Year - Abby Wambach - Washington Freedom
Abby Wambach proved that the transition between college and professional soccer can be a successful one as the Washington Freedom forward earned the 2002 WUSA Rookie of the Year award. The 22-year-old Wambach finished tied for fourth in the WUSA in scoring (10g, 9a, 29 pts.) in 2002 to help the Freedom to its first-ever playoff berth. The second pick overall in the 2002 WUSA Draft began playing her best soccer toward the end of the regular season when she started to creatively take on players and generate scoring opportunities.

Washington's leading scorer, Wambach was tied for seventh in goal scoring and tied for fifth in assists during the 2002 regular season. The University of Florida product was named the WUSA Player of the Week for week five after recording her first WUSA goal and creating a penalty kick versus San Diego on May 5. The 5-foot-10 Wambach began her WUSA career recording a goal or an assist in five consecutive games. Leading all first-year players in scoring, the native of Rochester, N.Y. ranked among the top 10 in league scoring for most of the 2002 season.

The Rookie of the Year goes to the player judged by WUSA coaches, general managers, players and members of the media to be the best first-year player who has no prior playing experience at the professional level and/or has completed her college or high school eligibility within the last year.

Goal of the Year - Katia - San Jose CyberRays
With a 19 percent increase in scoring from last season, the WUSA had its share of outstanding goals during the 2002 campaign. Brazilian striker Katia of the San Jose CyberRays provided the most electrifying goal in 2002, earning the league's Goal of the Year award. On June 9 in a 3-1 win over San Diego, Katia's second goal of the game earned her the honor for top goal in the WUSA. Pretinha started the play in the 35th minute when she chipped a ball from the right flank to Katia, who collected the ball in the air and hammered in an amazing volley from a steep angle into the far post. The Brazilian's ability to collect the pass and generate a shot before the ball hit the ground brought CyberRays fans to their feet. Fans selected the WUSA Goal of the Year by voting on WUSA.com.

Humanitarian of the Year - Sissi - San Jose CyberRays
San Jose CyberRays midfielder Sissi is the recipient of the 2002 WUSA Humanitarian of the Year award for her work with Julius, a sixth-grade cancer patient in the Bay Area. The Humanitarian of the Year award recognizes the player who demonstrates exemplary community involvement. It is the only WUSA award that does not recognize a player for her actions on the playing field, but for her ability to go above and beyond the call to contribute in her community. WUSA coaches, general managers, players and members of the media voted for the Humanitarian of the Year.

Referee of the Year- Kari Seitz
San Mateo, CA resident Kari Seitz was honored as the 2002 WUSA Referee of the Year. Seitz, who is currently officiating the inaugural Under 19 Women's World Championships, was judged as the best referee by WUSA coaches, general managers, players, U.S. Soccer and members of the media. A two-year veteran of the WUSA, Seitz refereed the Women's World Cup in 1999. The Referee of the Year is awarded to the official judged to be the best overall official in the WUSA during the regular season. This individual consistently displays an understanding of the rules of the game and a consistent application of the rules.

Women's United Soccer Association Stories from August 20, 2002

• Charge's Krikorian Named Coach of the Year - Philadelphia Charge
• WUSA Announces Six Award Winners - WUSA

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