August 30, 2006

Senior goalkeeper Nikki Dudley

GENEVA, N.Y.—The William Smith soccer team looks forward to another successful season, following a productive offseason and the arrival of a talented recruiting class. The program returns 20 players from last year’s squad that posted a 15-2-1 overall record and went 6-0-1 in the Liberty League.

Last year, the Herons went unbeaten in regular season play, earning an NCAA Tournament bid in the process. William Smith did not allow a single goal to be scored until its 10th game of the season when it tied Union 1-1 in overtime. The Herons went on to hold their next six opponents scoreless, and suffered their only two losses of the season against Union (2-0) in the Liberty League championship game, and Rochester (1-0) in the NCAA Tournament.

The William Smith players received a multitude of individual postseason awards for their outstanding play last season. Combined, the Herons took home six All-Liberty League first-team awards, five All-State, and five National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) All-Northeast honors, along with many others. In addition to numerous awards for the athletes, Head Coach Aliceann Wilber and her assistants were honored with the Liberty League Coaching Staff of the Year award.

Although William Smith only graduated four players from last season, there are big holes to fill, as all were longtime starters for the program. Pria Young and Seraphine Hamilton will be sorely missed on the defensive end, while midfielders Kate Warner and Steph Gridley also leave significant voids.

Together Young and Hamilton anchored a strong defense that allowed just four goals all season. Young led the team in assists (6), while Hamilton was a two-time All-American and named the 2005 Liberty League Player of the Year and the NYSWCAA Defensive Player of the Year. Both started all 18 games and were the recipients of numerous awards last season, including All-Liberty League first-team, All-State first-team, NSCAA All-Northeast honors, as well as various academic awards.

Warner and Gridley also played instrumental roles in last year’s success. Warner started all 18 contests and was named All-Liberty League honorable mention. Gridley started 16 of the 17 games she played in and ranked third on the team in points (4-5-13). She earned All-Liberty League first-team honors and was named third-team NSCAA All-Northeast.

William Smith has several key players returning this fall, including senior goalkeeper Nikki Dudley (Chittenango/Chittenango, N.Y.), and junior forward Laura Burnett-Kurie (Oyster River/Durham, N.H.). Seniors Ashley Kent (Westfield/Westfield, N.J.) and Alexandra Rieben (Guilford/Guilford, Conn.) also will continue to play instrumental roles in the success of the team, as will a now-healthy Heather Phillip (Cayuga/King Ferry, N.Y.).

Dudley returns in net following a season where she started all 18 games and earned a record of 15-2-1, including 15 shutouts. She allowed only four goals all season and tallied 65 saves, including a season-best nine in the Liberty League championship game. A seven-time Liberty League Defensive Performer of the Week last fall, Dudley collected first-team honors from the Liberty League, as well as All-State and NSCAA All-Northeast awards.

Last season Burnett-Kurie led the team in goals scored (18) and points (41), and ranked second on the team in assists (5). She netted a record-tying four goals in a midseason win over Clarkson, and was responsible for seven game-winning goals throughout the year. Tabbed Liberty League Offensive Performer of the Week six times, Burnett-Kurie was also named the NYSWCAA Offensive Player of the Year, and earned All-State and All-Northeast first-team accolades.

Rieben and Kent return to the fold after solid performances last season. Rieben ranked second on the team in scoring (6 goals), third in points (13) and received All-Liberty League and All-State first-team honors, along with NSCAA All-Northeast third-team praise. Kent started 16 games, was voted All-Liberty League honorable mention, and is a returning starter from the dominating defense last fall. Both Herons earned spots on the Liberty League All-Academic team.

Additionally, the Herons return many potential contributors from last year’s squad who showed impressive play during the spring season and over the summer. Juniors Leigh Williamson (Arlington/Poughkeepsie, N.Y.) and Tracy Stankavage (Chittenango/Chittenango, N.Y.), and sophomores Rayza Santiago (Webster Schroeder/Webster, N.Y.), Ali Art (Herricks/Manhasset Hills, N.Y.), Katie Compton (The Loomis Chaffee School/West Hartford, Conn.), and Gwyen Wheatley (Webster Schroeder/Webster, N.Y.) round out the list of top returning players. Art, Compton, and Wheatley all look to rebound from season-influencing injuries last year.

The Heron coaching staff welcomes a large recruiting class to campus this fall, many of which will, at least initially, gain playing experience on the Heron junior varsity squad. Wilber notes the strength of this year’s newcomers, citing the class’ character, competitive experience, and overall athleticism, and is excited to begin the process of creating the team’s new identity this season.

William Smith will open its season on Sept. 2 against Wittenberg in the first round of the Nazareth Tournament. The Herons will make their home debut on Sept. 10 when they host Elmira.

Back to William Smith Soccer