Dec. 7, 2012
LEXINGTON, Ky. – University of Kentucky sophomore forward/defender Arin Gilliland was selected to the first team of the 2012 National Soccer Coaches Association of America All-South Region Team, it was announced on Thursday. The honor is one of many for Gilliland, who was additionally named first team All-SEC in 2012 as well as third team All-America by Collegesoccermadness.com.
“It is such an honor to receive an award like this,” Gilliland said. “It is great to be able to represent my family, coaches, teammates and the University of Kentucky as a whole. I am only a sophomore, so I hope to continue to bring pride to this program along with my team and leave a legacy that is never forgotten.”
Gilliland scored six goals in the 2012 season, including two game-winning goals in the Wildcats’ wins over South Carolina and Georgia in the SEC season. Gilliland was named the SEC Offensive Player of the Week on Sept. 17, named to the Tropical Smoothie Invitational and Cardinal Classic All-Tournament Teams and in addition was selected to the NSCAA National Team of the Week on Sept. 20.
The Lexington, Ky., native started the first 14 games of the season on the back line, in which she helped lead the Wildcats to a clean sheet in five of the opening eight games of the season. Gilliland played over 1,900 minutes on the pitch during the season, while collecting over 52 shots and charting seven assists.
“It is a great honor for Arin to be named to this distinguished list for the 2012 season,” UK head coach Jon Lipsitz said. “Arin is someone who embeds the core principles of our program each season, and it shows with her play on the field. There are some tremendous players in the south region, so for her to be selected to the first team is quite an accomplishment, and something she, and her teammates are to be commended for.”
2012 marks the second-consecutive season that Gilliland was named to the NSCAA All-South Region team, as she was also selected in 2011 with fellow teammate Kelsey Hunyadi.
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