NSCAA names Gabby Woodson 1st Team All-American: 2nd Team D3kicks.com

Williams junior forward Gabrielle Woodson (Frisco [HS], TX) has capped off a record-breaking season by earning First Team Division III All-America honors from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) and Second Team honors from D3kicks.com.

Woodson is the first Eph to earn All-America laurels since Hannah Stauffer was recognized in 2002.

With Woodson leading the scoring parade up front, the Ephs set a school record for most wins to open a season, most consecutive wins and most wins in a season – 17. The Ephs rolled through regular season play and the NESCAC Tournament unscathed and won the 2007 NESCAC Championship, before losing to Hamilton College in a Sweet Sixteen game in the NCAA Tournament, 2-1. Williams finished the year at 17-1.

Scoring in 11 of 18 games this season Woodson tallied six game-winning goals and set the Eph single season record with 14 goals.

Along with leading the Ephs in goals scored, Woodson also chipped in with seven assists (second best on the team) and notched a team-high 35 points.

"Having a player named to the NSCAA First Team All America team is quite an honor for the program," said Eph head coach Michelyne Pinard.  "I truly believe this is a team award as a result of a tremendous team effort this season. Gabby came to Williams as a terrific athlete, one of the best I've seen. She combines tremendous power, strength and agility with a competitive urgency that makes her almost unstoppable.
 
"That being said, Gabby has worked hard over the last two years at becoming the most complete soccer player she can be. At the end of the 2006 season we talked a lot about her not depending solely on her athleticism to create offensive opportunities. Thus, she has focused an incredible amount of time on increasing her tactical awareness on and off the ball in our attacking third this season. I think it showed in the exciting attacking soccer we were able to play as a team this year. I'm excited to see what she and the team has in store for 2008."  

Previously Woodson was accorded First Team All-NESCAC, First Team NSCAA All-New England honors and First Team All-New England honors from D3kicks.com. She became the first Eph to be named the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) Player of the Year.