Indiana University Athletics
Women’s Soccer Holds Annual Awards Banquet
4/11/2016 11:20:00 AM | Women's Soccer
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Indiana Women's Soccer held its annual postseason awards banquet on Sunday in recognition of the 2015 season. The team handed out numerous individual awards at the event, which took place in the Henke Hall of Champions.
In addition, the graduating seniors were recognized for their commitment to the program during their time in Cream and Crimson.
Indiana finished the season with a 3-10-6 mark, but saw the Hoosier defense set a scoreless streak of 463 minutes, the second-longest in IU program history. The Hoosiers also captured back-to-back Herbert Cups, while 14 earned Academic All-Big Ten accolades.
The individual awards that were voted on by the team and handed out at the banquet include:
Defensive MVP – Sarah Stone (Redshirt Senior | Evansville, Ind.)
Goalkeeper Sarah Stone finished her illustrious Indiana career with another impressive season in goal. The Evansville, Ind. native posted six shutouts, including four during Indiana's scoreless streak. Stone's 93 saves in 2015 was the second-most in the Big Ten and good for fifth all-time in a single season at Indiana. She earned a trio of weekly recognitions during the year including Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week (Sept. 1) and a pair of appearances on CollegeSoccer360.com's Primetime Performers Honor Roll. Stone finished her career ranked second in shutouts with 14.0 and fourth in saves with 201, making her only the fourth Hoosier to register at least 200 saves.
Offensive MVP – Jessie Bujouves (Senior | London, Ontario, Canada)
For the second season in a row, the Ontario native led the team in scoring and points. Bujouves registered four goals on the year and added an assist. Her first goal of 2015 came in the season opener against No. 13 Virginia Tech before netting the equalizer against Ball State on Sept. 13. To cap off her Indiana career, she scored a goal in two of the final three games of the season – against Ohio State and at Michigan State. Bujouves completed her career as a Hoosier with 12 goals, including five game-winners, in 77 games.
Rookie of the Year – Emily Basten (Senior | Hoffman Estates, Ill.)
After transferring to Indiana from Central Michigan for her senior campaign, Basten made a remarkable transition from spring season to fall to make an immediate impact on the team. The defender started every game in 2015 and helped anchor the backline during the scoreless streak while fitting in seamlessly with her Hoosier teammates.
Coaches Award – Annelie Leitner (Sophomore | Salzburg, Austria)
The Coaches Award is selected by the coaches and given to the player who continually puts the team above everything else and is always willing to do whatever it takes to win. Leitner started 18 games this year and was a key member of the Indiana defense's success. In addition to getting it done in the backfield, Leitner netted her second career goal on a successful penalty kick conversion against Maryland on Oct. 15. Combined with her ability to cover ground quickly, her strong work ethic and desire to improve individually made her invaluable.
Most Improved Player – Rachel Romero (Senior | Richmond, Calif.)
Romero played in a career-high 18 games in 2015, including six starts. Romero provided important minutes and acted as a spark when she was on the field. Additionally, she continually set an example with her positive attitude and willingness to contribute in any way possible.
Unsung Hero – Veronica Ellis (Junior | Naperville, Ill.)
The Unsung Hero Award is given to the player whose contributions are not always noted in the box score or in the newspaper, but are key to the team's success. Ellis started every game in 2015 and was asked to take on many different roles and positions, which she did exceptionally. This season especially, Ellis was more than willing to step up and do what was best for the team. She displayed her versatility across the field and was a true asset for the Hoosiers.
In addition, the graduating seniors were recognized for their commitment to the program during their time in Cream and Crimson.
Indiana finished the season with a 3-10-6 mark, but saw the Hoosier defense set a scoreless streak of 463 minutes, the second-longest in IU program history. The Hoosiers also captured back-to-back Herbert Cups, while 14 earned Academic All-Big Ten accolades.
The individual awards that were voted on by the team and handed out at the banquet include:
Defensive MVP – Sarah Stone (Redshirt Senior | Evansville, Ind.)
Goalkeeper Sarah Stone finished her illustrious Indiana career with another impressive season in goal. The Evansville, Ind. native posted six shutouts, including four during Indiana's scoreless streak. Stone's 93 saves in 2015 was the second-most in the Big Ten and good for fifth all-time in a single season at Indiana. She earned a trio of weekly recognitions during the year including Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week (Sept. 1) and a pair of appearances on CollegeSoccer360.com's Primetime Performers Honor Roll. Stone finished her career ranked second in shutouts with 14.0 and fourth in saves with 201, making her only the fourth Hoosier to register at least 200 saves.
Offensive MVP – Jessie Bujouves (Senior | London, Ontario, Canada)
For the second season in a row, the Ontario native led the team in scoring and points. Bujouves registered four goals on the year and added an assist. Her first goal of 2015 came in the season opener against No. 13 Virginia Tech before netting the equalizer against Ball State on Sept. 13. To cap off her Indiana career, she scored a goal in two of the final three games of the season – against Ohio State and at Michigan State. Bujouves completed her career as a Hoosier with 12 goals, including five game-winners, in 77 games.
Rookie of the Year – Emily Basten (Senior | Hoffman Estates, Ill.)
After transferring to Indiana from Central Michigan for her senior campaign, Basten made a remarkable transition from spring season to fall to make an immediate impact on the team. The defender started every game in 2015 and helped anchor the backline during the scoreless streak while fitting in seamlessly with her Hoosier teammates.
Coaches Award – Annelie Leitner (Sophomore | Salzburg, Austria)
The Coaches Award is selected by the coaches and given to the player who continually puts the team above everything else and is always willing to do whatever it takes to win. Leitner started 18 games this year and was a key member of the Indiana defense's success. In addition to getting it done in the backfield, Leitner netted her second career goal on a successful penalty kick conversion against Maryland on Oct. 15. Combined with her ability to cover ground quickly, her strong work ethic and desire to improve individually made her invaluable.
Most Improved Player – Rachel Romero (Senior | Richmond, Calif.)
Romero played in a career-high 18 games in 2015, including six starts. Romero provided important minutes and acted as a spark when she was on the field. Additionally, she continually set an example with her positive attitude and willingness to contribute in any way possible.
Unsung Hero – Veronica Ellis (Junior | Naperville, Ill.)
The Unsung Hero Award is given to the player whose contributions are not always noted in the box score or in the newspaper, but are key to the team's success. Ellis started every game in 2015 and was asked to take on many different roles and positions, which she did exceptionally. This season especially, Ellis was more than willing to step up and do what was best for the team. She displayed her versatility across the field and was a true asset for the Hoosiers.
Players Mentioned
Midfielder
/ Women's Soccer
Defender
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