Soccer Celebrates 2014 Season At Awards Banquet

BOULDER - The University of Colorado soccer team gathered on Sunday afternoon to celebrate its 2014 accomplishments and recognize its six graduating seniors while taking a look forward to the 2015 season.

Awards were handed out to six Buffaloes for their standout performances during one of Colorado's best seasons in program history.

Sophomore Brie Hooks earned the team's offensive MVP award. The Maple Valley, Wash. native led the Buffaloes in goals, assists, points and shots in 2014. Hooks tied her career-high with eight goals while setting a new personal best with seven assists, 23 points and 58 shots. In Colorado's sophomore offensive record book, she ranks first in points, tied for second in goals, second in shots and tied for second in assists. She tallied the game-winning assist for the Buffs in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament as Colorado went on to defeat No. 15 BYU 2-0 and advance to the second round. Her impressive season was also recognized by the Pac-12 Conference, earning a place on the All-Pac-12 Second Team and was selected to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) All-Pacific Region Third Team.

Senior Tori Cooper was named the defensive MVP. The Torrance, Calif. native played an integral role on the Buffs' back line to help record 12 shutouts, including a record-breaking five against Pac-12 opponents. It was the first time in program history Colorado held five Pac-12 teams scoreless in a single season. She also was a main contributor on defense throughout the NCAA Tournament as CU shut out BYU in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. Cooper was awarded Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week honors during the regular season and picked-up two postseason honors, All-Pac-12 Second Team and NSCAA All-Pacific Region Second Team.

Morgan Stanton, a midfielder from Lakewood, Colo., received the Newcomer Award. In her first year wearing black and gold, Stanton was a consistent contributor, providing help to both the offensive and defensive side of the ball. She started all 22 matches and played 1773 minutes, fourth most on the team. She was one of three Buffs to earn Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week honors during the 2014 season.

Seniors and co-captains, Bianca Jones and Darcy Jerman were also each recognized with an award. Jones received the strength and conditioning award, while Jerman took home the Buff Cup. Jones and Jerman started every match and combined for more than 3,600 minutes played. Jones helped anchor a dominate Buffs defense throughout the season and Jerman contributed on the offense, recording 14 points on five goals and four assists- career highs in all three categories.

Forward and four-year letterwinner Storie Ledger was honored with the Herbst Academic Award. The senior from Mill Valley, Calif. is an international affairs major and shines in the classroom with a 3.74 GPA.

In 2014, the Buffs had one of its most successful seasons to date. Colorado recorded a 14-7-1 overall mark and was 6-4-1 in conference play. CU finished a program best third place in the Pac-12 Conference and its six victories against Pac-12 opponents was a single-season record since joining the conference in 2011.

Before the evening was over, the team bid a fond farewell to assistant head coach Don Trentham. Trentham has accepted an associate head coaching position with the University of Missouri women's soccer team.