APSU Women’s Soccer
Clarksville, TN – Austin Peay State University women’s soccer team capped a memorable season with three awards from the National Soccer Coaches of America Association. Jeremy Sullivan was named the Midwest Region College Assistant Coach of the Year, while freshman Tatiana Ariza was named first-team All-South Region and Natalia Ariza was named second-team All-South Region.
Austin Peay also led the league in goals-against-average (.687) which was 23rd nationally, shutout percentage (.591) which was eighth-best nationally, and save percentage (.850) which was 24th nationally.
Sullivan, who served as the goalkeeper coach and recruiting coordinator, saw the team excel in both of his concentrations. Senior keeper Carley Newman, in fact, led the OVC in goals-against-average (.585) and save percentage (.855). Tatiana, Natalia and fellow freshman Joceline Quiceno were all named to the OVC All-Newcomer team, with Tatiana being selected OVC Freshman of the Year.
“Jeremy has been a tremendous asset to our program the past four seasons,” head coach Kelley Guth said. “I’m excited that his being recognized for the job the he does. As my only assistant coach, there’s a lot of responsibility place on the two of us and I feel very fortunate to have Jeremy on my staff with his knowledge, work ethic and professionalism.
“As we strive to develop this program, I feel that Jeremy has brought many ideas and strategies to the table that have contributed significantly to our most recent success.”
The first-team All-South Region award is another outstanding honor for Tatiana, a talented striker who was one of the OVC’s top offensive threats. She was nationally ranked in points per game (48th/1.35) and goals per game (45th/0.55).
Her abilities are clearly noted in the fact that she ranked in the OVC’s top five in shots (2nd), points (1st), goals (2nd), assists (4th), shots per game (2nd), points per game (2nd), goals per game (2nd) and assists per game (4th). Most importantly, however, she accounted for six game-winning goals
“It is just awesome for them to be recognized on a regional level,” Guth said. “I feel that in every match we played this year, they both made a significant impact in every game and I am sure every opponent was very aware of their abilities, so I am extremely happy to see that they were recognized on a regional level and I feel it is well deserved.”
Natalia Ariza was a second-team All-OVC pick. Over the season’s first 16 games, Natalia had two goals and two assists. When the Lady Govs suffered injuries down the stretch and were forced to redistribute personnel, Natalia took over the Lady Govs attacking midfield. Through the season’s final six games, she scored four goals and had three game winners.
“These two young ladies have international playing experience and their performance on the field this season was game changing,” Guth said. “I feel that their experience and their abilities have helped motivate their teammates and has changed the culture of our team, the training environment and the overall atmosphere in such a positive way.
