Oct. 29, 2009

SPARTANBURG, S.C. - USC Upstate women's soccer player Ashlee Barrow was named to the 2009 Atlantic Sun Conference All-Freshman team, the conference office announced today.

Barrow, who is a natural defender, scored the first goal for the Spartans in 2009. Her goal came in the match against Garder-Webb (9/3). The goal scored by Barrow came just four minutes into the match, after she stole the ball and put her shot, from 10 yards out, past the GWU keeper.

"It is not surprising to me to see Ashlee earn this recognition," said head women's soccer coach Kendall Reyes. "I felt very strongly during the recruiting process that she had the ability and the desire to be an impact player for our program and she would make her mark in the conference."

The native of Fishkill, N.Y., was just one of three Spartans to start all 19 games this season. Catherine Nolff and Aveann Douglas also started every match for Upstate this year.

"Ashlee started every game for us and played an incredible amount of tough, passionate soccer for us. She is relentless in her work ethic and she has a strong commitment to our program," added Reyes. "I am proud of what she has done and it shows as she received her first A-Sun award."

Barrow, though just 5-1, used her small stature and speed to attempt to impact the game no matter where she was on the field. Numerous times in 2009 she tracked down loose balls to prevent potential scoring chances for Upstate foes.

2009 Atlantic Sun All-Freshman Team

Name                    School
Ashlee Barrow           USC Upstate
Jennie Borda            Campbell
Christina Cromwell      Stetson
Jade Dempster           Kennesaw State
Danielle Faller         FGCU
Laura Harris*           Belmont
Lisa Hensley            Jacksonville
Michele Larrinaga       UNF
Eva Leeper              Jacksonville
Patricia Anne Upson     Mercer
Katie Wood              Lipscomb
* Denotes Unanimous Selection

Freshman of the Year:
Danielle Faller, FGCU