Dec. 1, 2006

San Angelo, Texas - Grand Valley State University sophomore forward Katy Tafler was one of four players from the national runners up to earn All-America honors as the Mississauga, Ontario, native was named the inaugural Daktronics NCAA Division II Women's Soccer Player of the Year. Joining Tafler on the first team were junior defender Sue Christenson and sophomore goalkeeper Kristina Nasturzio while senior defender Katie Ales was named to the second team.

Tafler led Division II with 3.32 point per game while leading the Lakers to a 19-2-1 record and to the Lakers' first-ever women's soccer national title game. She tallied division-best 33 goals and added seven assists for 73 points. Tafler was named the Daktronics Great Lakes Region Player of the Year and was celebrated as the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year.

Metropolitan State College, the 2006 NCAA DII National Champions, placed three players on the All-America teams including first team selections sophomore defender Nicole Cito and senior forward Kylee Hanavan. Hanavan finished second in the Player of the Year voting behind Tafler as she helped guide the Roadrunners to their second national title in three seasons. Senior goalkeeper Rachell Zollner was named as a second team pick.

The national semifinalist programs of the University of Tampa and West Chester University were also well represented on the All-America teams. Tampa had three players recognized on the All-America teams including two first team picks in senior defender Malana Winskas and sophomore forward Shelby Kuni. West Chester had two honorees including first team selection senior defender Casey McKinney.

The three remaining selections to the first team were Franklin Pierce College junior midfielder Gabriela Demoner, Mount Olive College junior midfielder April Jacobs and Ferris State University junior midfielder Kristie Smilanich. Franklin Pierce advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2006 NCAA Division II National Championship Tournament.

Sports information directors from NCAA Division II schools and conferences selected the Daktronics All-America teams. The process begins at the regional level with all first team all-region picks advancing to the national ballot. This is the first year Daktronics has sponsored the NCAA Division II women's soccer All-America and all-region teams.

Daktronics, with headquarters in Brookings, S.D., is an acknowledged world leader in scoring, timing and programmable display systems for virtually every sport at every level of competition.

2006 Daktronics NCAA Division II Women's Soccer All-America Teams

First Team
GK Kristina Nasturzio, So., Grand Valley State
D Sue Christenson, Jr., Grand Valley State
D Nicole Cito, So., Metropolitan State
D Casey McKinney, Sr., West Chester
D Malana Winskas, Sr., Tampa
MF Gabriela Demoner, Jr., Franklin Pierce
MF April Jacobs, Jr., Mount Olive
MF Kristie Smilanich, Jr., Ferris State
F Kylee Hanavan, Sr., Metropolitan State
F Shelby Kuni, So., Tampa
F Katy Tafler, So., Grand Valley State#
# 2006 Daktronics NCAA DII Women's Soccer Player of the Year

Second Team
GK Rachel Zollner, Sr., Metropolitan State
D Katie Ales, Sr., Grand Valley State
D Christine Beatty, Sr., Winona State
D Sarah Hawkins, So., Columbus State
D Lindsay Nemanich, Sr., West Florida
MF Megan Dickey, Sr., California-San Diego
MF Ashley Porter, Jr., Seattle
MF Kara Rasmussen, Sr., Tampa
F Julie Karcher, Sr., West Chester
F Beth McGill, Sr., Nebraska-Omaha
F Jocelyn Savastano, Sr., Saint Anselm

Courtesy of Dave Wester, Angelo State