Dec. 16, 1999

Columbia, Mo. - The post-season honors continue to roll in for Missouri women?s soccer after the program?s most successful season. As a result of their team?s success, three Missouri players have been named to the SoccerBuzz All-Central Region teams, the soccer internet magazine announced.

Junior All-America forward NIKKI THOLE was named to the All-Central Region First Team and was also selected as the SoccerBuzz Central Region Offensive Player of the Year for her 23-goal, nine assist season. Not surprisingly, she is the first Missouri soccer player to win such an award.

Thole led the Big 12 Conference in goals scored (23) and total points (55) during the 1999 season. Both statistics are also MU school-records. She was also named to the NSCAA All-Central Region First Team and All-America Second Team.

Thole?s running mate, senior forward ERIN GRIMSLEY was tabbed for the All-Central Region Second Team on the strength of her 16-goal, 10-assist season. It is the second 1999 post-season honor for Grimsley, who was also named to the NSCAA All-Central Region Second Team earlier this month.

Sophomore defender DYANA RUSSELL rounded out the Tiger trio?s honors, as an All-Central Region Third Team selection on defense. The award is the first post-season honor for the Magnolia, Texas native.