Munnelly, Bugay Earn Soccer Buzz Honors

Boulder - Colorado freshman Fran Munnelly has been tabbed a freshman All-American and second-team all-region while senior Aimee Bugay is a third-team all-region pick and head coach Bill Hempen earned Region Coach of the Year Runner-Up distinction as Soccer Buzz magazine announced its postseason awards.

Colorado's most decorated player of all time, Munnelly led the Buffs in goals, assists, points, shots and gamewinners in '02. She was the first player in the program's history to be tabbed First-Team All-Big 12, Rookie of the Year while also being named to the league's all-newcomer team. She and Texas A&M freshman goalkeeper Kati Jo Spisak were the lone Big 12 freshman named to the Soccer Buzz team.

Bugay was one of the most visible and noticeable players in the Buffs' backfield and was one of the strongest defensive headers in the 12. She played all but 16 minutes during her senior season and also added four shots.

Hempen orchestrated the second-best record (10-8-2) in program history while turning in one of the country's most improved seasons and the best in league history after going 1-7-2 in Big 12 play and 4-7-3 overall in 2001.

The Buffs kick off their spring season March 1 when they host Northern Colorado on the football practice fields. The remainder of the spring campaign includes matches against San Diego (March 8), at San Diego State (March 9), at Denver (March 15) and at Regis (April 5).