Heyboer Earns NSCAA All-America Honors
12/14/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Dec. 14, 2009
EAST LANSING, Mich. - For the second consecutive season, Michigan State women's soccer sophomore Laura Heyboer has been named to the NSCAA All-America third team. Heyboer was also one of three Spartans to be named to the NSCAA All-Great Lakes region teams as she garnered first-team honors, joining Cara Freeman (second team) and Lauren Sinacola (third team).
"We are all very proud of the well-deserved recognition that Laura, Cara and Lauren have received," said MSU head coach Tom Saxton. "It is extra special given that Laura and Lauren had their seasons cut short by serious injuries. Laura continues to raise the bar higher with her second All-America honor. She is truly one of the top offensive players in the nation."
Despite missing the final four games of the season, Heyboer finished second on the team in points (21) and goals (eight) and was named first-team All-Big Ten. Her four game-winning goals were tied for second most in the conference. The Hudsonville native and only two-time All-American in school history will enter the 2010 season in a tie for fifth on the program's all-time goals list (29) and seventh on the points chart (72).
Freeman anchored the midfield this season after rash of injuries decimated the Spartans. The junior started 19 of 20 games, recorded three goals and five assists, and also garnered All-Big Ten first-team accolades.
"Cara's performance was extra special as she held our midfield together after all the injuries," Saxton said. "Ironically, she played her best soccer down the stretch with her own injury, a torn meniscus, which will be surgically repaired after the holidays."
Like Heyboer, Sinacola also suffered a season-ending injury as she only played in the Spartans' first nine games of the season. MSU's leader in the midfield collected two goals and three assists in her shortened 2009 campaign and finished her career tied for third on the program's all-time assist list with 21.
"Lauren finished her college career as one of the best midfielders and leaders in our program's history," said Saxton.
