Colfer, Rozumalski win honors
|
By
FELLICIA SMITH,
Staff writer
First published: Thursday, December 11, 2003 |
Caitlin Colfer of Colonie and Kelly
Rozumalski of Middleburgh have been named 2003 high school All-Americans
by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.
The two Section II players are among five players from New York named to the 78-member team. Colfer is the first athlete from Colonie to be named an All-American. Rozumalski is the second soccer player from Middleburgh, joining Sue Herodes (1984). Colfer is one of 16 juniors on the All-America team. She led Colonie with 32 goals and three assists this season. The Garnet Raiders' 13-5-3 record was their best in a decade. "It's amazing being an All-American," Colfer said. "It's kind of hard to believe." Said Colonie athletic director David Foust: "She had an exceptional year in a highly competitive league. It's well-deserved." For Rozumalski, the All-America honor closes a spectacular high school career. "I didn't expect it at all," the senior said. "It's a huge honor." Rozumalski had a team-high 35 goals and 19 assists this season. She was named the Class C State Player of the Year for the second consecutive year. "We're very proud of her," Middleburgh athletic director Brenda Jones said. "This is something she has worked hard throughout the years for. This is not a one-year thing." Rozumalski led her team to a 16-4-1 record and the third round of the Section II playoffs before losing in the Class C championship game. Rozumalski said that because she plays for a smaller school, she didn't think her play would be noticed. "I think it's good to get an honor like this no matter how small or big your school is," said Rozumalski, who said she'll sign a national letter of intent in February to play soccer for the University of Maryland. All-Americans were selected by a nine-person committee formed by the NSCAA. Colfer and Rozumalski will be honored along with the 76 other All-Americans at the 57th annual NSCAA Convention Jan. 14-18 in Charlotte, N.C. The two are among seven players from Section II named to the all-state first team. The team was chosen by sportswriters using information supplied in nomination forms by high school coaches. In addition to Colfer in Class AA and Rozumalski in Class C, others from Section II chosen to the first team were: Bethlehem junior Vanessa Patry, Class AA; Burnt Hills senior Jenny Ives, Class A; Broadalbin-Perth senior Samantha Harder, Class B; Greenville senior Nikki Labuda, Class C; and New Lebanon senior Kayla Cooper, Class D. Burnt Hills coach Kevin Fitzpatrick was named the state's Class A Coach of the Year. |