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Jackie Hall Named 2014 NSCAA First Team Scholar All-American
12/17/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
2014 NSCAA SCHOLAR ALL-AMERICA TEAMS
BUFFALO, NY - For her efforts both on the field and in the classroom, junior defender Jackie Hall of the Mid-American Conference Champion women's soccer team has been named to the 2014 National Soccer Coaches Association of America Scholar All-American First Team. The honor, selected by coaches around the country, has been released to recognize the nation's top student‐athletes for their combined performances athletically and academically.
"Jackie has been a wonderful representation of our program, not only athletically but academically as well over her four years at UB," said first-year head coach Shawn Burke. "We couldn't be happier for her to receive this honor because it shows the hard work she puts in on and off the field. To be performing at such a high level on the field and in the classroom is a testament to her character and work ethic."
Hall was the lone first team representative from the MAC and one of just two MAC players on any team as Kelsey Dinges from Miami (OH) earned second team honors.
Hall, the MAC Defensive Player of the Year, becomes just the second UB player in the Division I era to earn Scholar All-American status, joining Shannon Algoe in 2011. Hall is the first player to earn first team honors as Algoe was picked as a second team member as a senior.
The redshirt junior from Brunswick, Ohio was one of only two defenders on the first team, joining Meghan Streight of Texas A&M. Also joining Hall on the first team were representatives from South Carolina, Florida State, Virginia, Valparaiso, UCLA, Lasalle, Illinois State and Seattle. Hall, a double major in communications and psychology, posted a 3.63 cumulative grade-point average and anchored a nationally ranked defense to earn the national recognition.
Hall, who earlier this year became the first All-American in UB's Division I history, led a back line that pitched a program record 14 shutouts in the most successful season in program history. Not only has Hall been dominant in the defensive third of the pitch, but also she has been a scoring threat in the offensive third where she netted a career-high four goals this season. Hall scored a pair of goals in the MAC Tournament for the Bulls including the game-winning marker in the 82nd minute in the MAC Championship game against Western Michigan, to send UB to their first-ever NCAA Tournament.
Starting every game for the Bulls, Hall became the first UB player in program history to be tabbed MAC Defensive Player of the Year. After making the transition to the center back position, Hall led a stout Buffalo defense that held their opponents to five shots on goal or less in 16 of 22 contests. The stingy UB defense led the MAC in all defensive categories this season.
To be named to a Scholar All-America Team, a student-athlete must have at least a 3.30 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) throughout his or her career; start more than 50 percent of all games and be a significant contributor to the team.
The NSCAA is the world's largest soccer coaches' organization with members at every level of the game. The membership is primarily made up of coaches, but also includes administrators, referees and others in the soccer industry. The NSCAA provides its members ways to enhance the game of soccer by providing a national education program, interaction and networking opportunities, and membership benefits.
