Skelly is Named Second Team All-West Region

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

SALEM, ORE. -- Senior midfielder Stephanie Skelly (Poulsbo, WA/North Kitsap HS) from Willamette University has been chosen Second Team All-West Region by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA). At total of 40 athletes received All-West Region honors, with 12 on the First Team, 14 on the Second Team and 14 on the Third Team.

Skelly led the Northwest Conference this season in goals and in total points. She scored 16 goals and added five assists for 37 points. She recorded two goals in six different games and was involved in 21 of the 37 goals scored by Willamette this year.

Her goal with 21 seconds remaining against University of Puget Sound -- her second goal of the game -- provided the Bearcats with a 2-1 victory over the Loggers on Oct. 23. Overall, Skelly achieved three game-winning goals this season, giving her 10 game-winners during her career.

Led by Skelly's outstanding play, Willamette went 11-8-1 overall and took third place in the NWC with a 10-5-1 record.

'I'm very pleased that Stephanie Skelly has been selected to the All-West Region Team," Willamette Head Coach Hillary Arthur said. "Not only was Stephanie recognized within our conference by being selected as the Offensive Player of the Year, but she has been honored on the Regional level as well."

During her career, Skelly scored 35 goals and achieved 7 assists for 77 points. She played in a total of 75 games, including 70 starts for the Bearcats.

Skelly was named First Team All-Northwest Conference in 2009 and 2011, and was chosen Second Team All-NWC in 2010. She was chosen NWC Women's Soccer Offensive Player of the Year this season.

She increased her goal-scoring each year, from two goals as a freshman and six goals as a sophomore to 11 goals during her junior season and 16 goals this year. During her career, Skelly blasted 196 total shots, including 97 shots on goal.

Recently, Skelly was selected First Team Capital One Academic All-America for NCAA Division III, as chosen by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). She was named First Team Academic All-District VIII for the second year in a row. Skelly is majoring in Biology with a minor in Chemistry, and has earned a 3.877 cumulative grade point average.

"Stephanie's many awards and honors pay tribute to the fact that she is as dedicated on the field as she is in the classroom. Because of her commitment, effort, passion and work ethic, Stephanie is being honored on many levels both academically and athletically," Arthur said. "It's great when you see someone who has worked so hard and been so committed be recognized as she has."