Women's XCountry and Men's and Women's Soccer Find their Athlete's on the All-Independent Honor's List

University of California, Santa Cruz runner Mikayla Murphy, a freshman from San Luis Obispo, was named the Women’s Rookie Runner of the Year. Muprhy was also named to the All-Independent Second Team for Women's Cross Courntry.

Men's Soccer also cleaned up big in the All-Independent Awards. Jared Wheeler receieved Goalkeeper of the Year. Wheeler allowed only 21 goals in 20 games for the 15-5 Banana Slugs. Finding themselves on the All-Independent First Team were Midfielder Anthony Scarlett, Defender Jeremy Abrams, and Goal Keeper Jared Wheeler.

Receiving Second Team All-Independent were Forwards Harry Abraham and Adam Smarte, along with Defender Drew Delis. Receiving Honorable Mention were Senior Midfielders Matt Skenazy and Stefan Clemens.

For the second consecutive year, University of California, Santa Cruz, goaltender Katie Loomis was named the goaltender of the year for Women's Soccer. Loomis, a senior from Tacoma, Wash., notched 12 shutouts and allowed only 11 goals all season.  She finished her career with 50 wins and 44 shutouts and was one of the driving forces behind the Banana Slugs appearing in two straight NCAA tournaments.

Receiving All-Independent First Team are Forward Annick Lamb, Midfielder Didi Ramirez, and Goalkeeper Katie Loomis. Midfielder Karli Cowman and Defender Megan Cox received All-Independen Second Team Honors while Forward Danielle Mullen received Honorable Mention.

The Association of Division III Independents consists of 21 Division III independent institutions that have joined together to recognize student-athletes at independent institutions, and to provide exempted postseason championship competition in nine sports in 2007-08.  The Association recognizes outstanding athletic achievements of its student-athletes on a weekly, monthly and annual basis.  The Association provides statistical services for its members in seven sports.  In addition, it will announce All-Independent teams at the conclusion of eight other sports this year.