Dec. 11, 2002

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Santa Clara University women's soccer senior midfielder Aly Wagner was named one of four finalists for the 2002 Honda Soccer Award, announced Wednesday by the Honda Awards Program.

Wagner, a San Jose native from Presentation High School, had an outstanding senior campaign for the Broncos, leading the team to their ninth overall appearance at the College Cup and second straight championship match. Despite missing eight matches while playing with the U.S. National team, Wagner scored nine goals and added nine assists for the Broncos. She finished her career ranked fourth in the West Coast Conference in assists, sixth in points and 11th in goals.

Wagner was the 2001 recipient of the Honda Award after leading the nation in assists while guiding SCU to its first outright women's national championship.

In addition to the nomination of this top honor, the Honda Awards program will donate $1,000 to Santa Clara's women's athletic fund. The university of the award recipient will receive $5,000. The soccer award winner is scheduled to be announced December 18.

The other finalists for the award are Joanna Lohman, a senior forward at Penn State; Christine Sinclair, a sophomore forward at 2002 NCAA champion Portland; and Catherine Reddick, a junior defender at North Carolina.

The winner of the soccer award will be eligible for the 2003 Honda-Broderick Cup given annually to the nation's top female athlete.