Kristen Votapek

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. - Northern Kentucky University’s Kristen Votapek has been selected to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America/adidas Scholar All-America first team.

Votapek, a graduate of Amelia High School, earned the honor in the College Division with a 3.85 grade point average. She was among 50 women’s soccer players receiving the honor from the NSCAA.

The Scholar All-Americans were divided into two divisions: University, recognizing NCAA Division I players, and College, which features players from NCAA Division II and III and NAIA schools.

Votapek was named Great Lakes Valley Conference Player of the Year this fall. She led the GLVC in scoring with 16 goals and 18 assists and helped NKU finish with a 19-3 record.

The senior forward led NKU to the GLVC Tournament championship this fall, and her performance enabled the Norse to earn the No. 1 seed in the NCAA II Great Lakes Region.

Votapek later was named All-Great Lakes Region and earned second team All-America honors from the NSCAA.

In two seasons at NKU, Votapek scored 27 goals and added 26 assists. She twice was named NSCAA All-Great Lakes Region.

Votapek played two years at Mount Vernon Nazarene University and scored 58 goals in two seasons at the NAIA school. She transferred to NKU in 2004 and led the Norse to 34 victories in two seasons.

To be eligible for consideration for the NSCAA/adidas Scholar All-America Team, a player must by at least a junior in academic standing, have no less than a 3.30 cumulative grade point average, start at least 50 percent of the team’s games and be nominated by an NSCAA member coach.

The 50 honorees will be invited to the NSCAA All-America Luncheon, which will be held Jan. 21 as part of the 2006 NSCAA Convention in Philadelphia, Pa.

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