PLAYER OF THE YEAR
SIMONE BUSBY
The accomplishments of GPS’s junior goalkeeper can’t be solely based on her end-of-the-year stats, as good as they were. She allowed 17 goals in 19 games for the Bruisers, but those who watched her play recognized that the team depended greatly on her ability and leadership. Busby, the Bruisers’ co-most valuable player along with Mary Woodruff Griffin, stopped not only the expected shots but used her athleticism to make impossible saves. Her abilities have drawn the interest of Florida State, South Florida and UAB, to name a few college programs. “She was just so valuable in her ability to make big plays,” former GPS coach Dave Barrueta said. “To see the caliber of schools that are interested in what she can do isa testament to both how good she is as well as how hard she works to be that good.”
COACH OF THE YEAR
BILL McCONKEY
There is a first time for everything, and this year was the first time that McMinn Central’s Chargerettes advanced to the state tournament. Their road included the District 5-A/AA and Region 3 championships — also their firsts in team history — and ot even a 3-0 loss to Christian Academy of Knoxville in the state first round could diminish the team’s accomplishments. “I can’t be disappointed in the way these girls competed this season,” McConkey said. “We had a really young team, but the seniors were good leaders and we were able to enjoy a lot of success.”
FIRST TEAM
Teni Butler
BAYLOR
Junior defender
The outstanding center back for the Division II-AA state champions also scored three goals this season.
Alex Cannon
BAYLOR
Senior defender
She was recognized mainly for defense but scored the winning goal in the Division II-AA state final.
Grace Courter
NOTRE DAME
Junior goalkeeper
She allowed only one goal in the postseason for the Class A/AA state champions.
Mary Woodruff Griffin
GPS
Junior midfielder
She alternated between midfielder and center back for the Bruisers, finishing with four assists.
Kathryn Healy
NOTRE DAME
Senior forward
The Lee University signee had 14 goals for the Class A/AA state champions.
Summer Lanter
SODDY-DAISY
Sophomore forward
She had 28 goals and 12 assists for the Lady Trojans, who lost only in the state quarterfinals.
Sydney Reason
EAST HAMILTON
Junior forward
The area’s leading scorer had 30 goals and 13 assists for the Region 3-A/AA semifinalists.
Michelle Spangler
NOTRE DAME
Senior defender
The Lee signee helped spearhead a defense that allowed only 22 goals and won the A/AA state title.
Tiffany Sullivan
CHATTANOOGA CHRISTIAN
Senior midfielder
She had nine goals and seven assists for the Lady Chargers, who reached the Region 4-A/AA semifinals.
Peyton Thomas
BAYLOR
Junior midfielder
She scored eight goals in 2010 for the Division II-AA state champions and has committed to Samford.
Hannah Wyatt
SODDY-DAISY
Junior forward
She had 21 goals and 21 assists for the Class AAA state quarterfinalists, who finished 21-1-2.
SECOND TEAM
BECCA BLEVINS Signal Mountain Soph. Forward
CHLOE BRACKETT Baylor Junior Forward
LILA FISHER Signal Mountain Junior Forward
BROOKE GANN East Ridge Senior Midfielder
ASHLEY JOHNSON McMinn Central Senior Forward
DAKOTA JOHNSON Soddy-Daisy Senior Defender
KATELYN MCCHESNEY Cleveland Senior Defender
KELLY PANNELL Baylor Junior Forward
KAITLYN POULAKIS Cleveland Junior Midfielder
KATHERINE RODGERS Baylor Senior Goalkeeper
TAYLOR VAN WAGNER McMinn County Senior Midfielder
TEAMS OF THE YEAR
1 BAYLOR (17-0-2)
The Lady Red Raiders won the Division II-AA state championship, their first since 2004.
2 NOTRE DAME (12-7-3)
Overcoming a 3-7 start, the Lady Irish won the Class A/AA state title, their first since 1988.
3 SODDY-DAISY (21-1-2)
The Lady Trojans lost only to Class AAA champion Houston in the state quarterfinals.
Photos by John Rawlston and Laura-Chase McGehee. Text by Gene Henley. Layout by Stacey Wysong.
