University of Georgia Athletics
Caroline Simpson Named SEC Freshman Of The Week
September 04, 2007 | Soccer
Freshman’s hat trick leads to first conference accolade.
ATHENS, Ga. Freshman midfielder Caroline Simpson (Atlanta, Ga.) of the University of Georgia soccer team (2-0) was named the Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week Tuesday afternoon for her efforts in the Bulldogs’ two victories over the weekend. Simpson recorded a hat trick Sunday, the first by a UGA player since 2003, scoring all three goals in Georgia’s 3-1 home victory over Wisconsin.
“Scoring a hat trick is a remarkable accomplishment, especially to score three different ways, with her head, on a volley and with a finish off the inside of her foot,” said head coach Patrick Baker. “She showed great composure in front of the goal. The scary thing is that she can still be better. She was very effective in and around the box but she can still do more for us in the run of play. Once Caroline combines both the effective play and her finishing abilities, she will be at whole different level as a soccer player. What is even more remarkable about her effort is that last year a lot of people didn’t even think she could play college soccer because of the Wegener’s disease she suffered from. So to not only play but to excel at a high level speaks volumes about her, the way she has conducted herself and how she has recovered from her illness.”
“I could not have asked for a better start to my career,” said Simpson. “I didn’t expect this at all. I can’t really take credit for it though, I really think the assists were better than my goals. Kristin (Garman) and Kelli (Corless) should get credit for playing those great balls in to me. I think an award like this is exciting for every one of us. Every time one of us makes a difference it is fun for everyone and we can all share in the publicity that each one of us receives.”
Simpson becomes the first freshman in Georgia soccer history to record a hat trick as her three-goal performance was the ninth in Bulldog soccer annals. She joins Mandy Aiken (4 times), Stephanie Yarem (twice), Jessica Winton and Kristy Bongiovanni as the only Bulldogs to accomplish the feat.
Simpson is one of six freshmen, including five true freshmen and one redshirt, who earned a spot in the starting lineup in both of the first two games of the 2007 season. Simpson’s six points lead the Bulldogs
“Friday night’s game was a totally new experience,” said Simpson. “I don’t think I have ever been that nervous playing soccer. After I got over the nerves it was so much fun to get out and play at this level. It was so exciting.”
Simpson and her Bulldog teammates get back on the field Thursday at 7 p.m. as they take on UNC-Charlotte at the UGA Soccer Stadium on South Milledge Avenue.
ATHENS, Ga. Freshman midfielder Caroline Simpson (Atlanta, Ga.) of the University of Georgia soccer team (2-0) was named the Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week Tuesday afternoon for her efforts in the Bulldogs’ two victories over the weekend. Simpson recorded a hat trick Sunday, the first by a UGA player since 2003, scoring all three goals in Georgia’s 3-1 home victory over Wisconsin.
“Scoring a hat trick is a remarkable accomplishment, especially to score three different ways, with her head, on a volley and with a finish off the inside of her foot,” said head coach Patrick Baker. “She showed great composure in front of the goal. The scary thing is that she can still be better. She was very effective in and around the box but she can still do more for us in the run of play. Once Caroline combines both the effective play and her finishing abilities, she will be at whole different level as a soccer player. What is even more remarkable about her effort is that last year a lot of people didn’t even think she could play college soccer because of the Wegener’s disease she suffered from. So to not only play but to excel at a high level speaks volumes about her, the way she has conducted herself and how she has recovered from her illness.”
“I could not have asked for a better start to my career,” said Simpson. “I didn’t expect this at all. I can’t really take credit for it though, I really think the assists were better than my goals. Kristin (Garman) and Kelli (Corless) should get credit for playing those great balls in to me. I think an award like this is exciting for every one of us. Every time one of us makes a difference it is fun for everyone and we can all share in the publicity that each one of us receives.”
Simpson becomes the first freshman in Georgia soccer history to record a hat trick as her three-goal performance was the ninth in Bulldog soccer annals. She joins Mandy Aiken (4 times), Stephanie Yarem (twice), Jessica Winton and Kristy Bongiovanni as the only Bulldogs to accomplish the feat.
Simpson is one of six freshmen, including five true freshmen and one redshirt, who earned a spot in the starting lineup in both of the first two games of the 2007 season. Simpson’s six points lead the Bulldogs
“Friday night’s game was a totally new experience,” said Simpson. “I don’t think I have ever been that nervous playing soccer. After I got over the nerves it was so much fun to get out and play at this level. It was so exciting.”
Simpson and her Bulldog teammates get back on the field Thursday at 7 p.m. as they take on UNC-Charlotte at the UGA Soccer Stadium on South Milledge Avenue.
Georgia Soccer NCAA First Round Postgame Interview
Friday, November 14
Georgia Women's Soccer SECs vs Kentucky Game Highlights
Wednesday, November 05
Georgia Soccer vs Auburn Post Game Interview
Sunday, October 19
Georgia Soccer vs Texas Game Highlights
Friday, October 17