SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Santa Clara University junior goalkeeper Bianca Henninger and sophomore midfielder Allie Vernon were both named to the 2010 West Coast Conference Preseason All-Conference Team. Henninger represented the U.S. at the FIFA U20 World Cup this summer, where she was awarded the golden glove, given to the best goalkeeper in the tournament. Vernon returns for her sophomore season after being named the WCC co-Freshman of the Year in 2009.
In addition to her recent national team honors, Henninger was named to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America's (NSCAA) All-West Region Third Team last season, posting six shutouts, helping SCU win 14 games and rank 10th nationally.
Vernon had a standout season as a freshman, starting 12 of the 17 games she played in, including all three of Santa Clara's 2009 NCAA tournament matches. In addition to being named the WCC co-Freshman of the Year, Vernon also earned WCC All-Freshman Team and WCC All-Second Team honors.
The preseason all-conference team was released in conjunction with the league's preseason poll. Santa Clara was picked to finish second in the WCC, behind Portland—who won their third consecutive conference title in 2009. The Broncos were followed by San Diego, Pepperdine, Loyola Marymount, Saint Mary's, Gonzaga and San Francisco.
2010 WCC
Preseason Coaches Poll
1. #5 Portland - 49 (7)
2. #9 Santa Clara - 41.5 (1)
3. San Diego - 38.5
4. Pepperdine - 27
5. Loyola Marymount - 26
6. Saint Mary's - 19
7. Gonzaga - 12
8. San Francisco - 11
(First place votes - rankings by NSCAA)
2010 WCC
Preseason All-Conference
Kendra Chandhoke, Portland
Danielle Foxhoven, Portland
Julie Gallaudet, Loyola Marymount
Bianca Henniger, Santa Clara
Sheridan Jones, Gonzaga
Stephanie Ochs, San Diego
Sophie Schmidt, Portland
Michelle Spacciapolli, Pepperdine
Allie Vernon, Santa Clara
Keelin Winters, Portland
Jackie Zinke, San Diego
