Nov. 26, 2007

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Navy women's soccer captain Kari Weniger (St. Petersburg, Fla.) has been named to the 2007 ESPN The Magazine Women's Soccer Academic All-America First Team it was announced recently by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). Weniger, one of three Navy players who appeared on the national ballot, joins 32 other student-athletes who together make up three teams that honor academic and athletic achievements from institutions across the country.

Carrying a 3.97 GPA in ocean engineering, Weniger is phenomenal example of a well-rounded midshipman at the Naval Academy. In September, she was one of 20 seniors nationwide to be named a candidate for the 2007 Lowe's Senior Class Award for women's soccer, recognizing outstanding achievements in athletics, academics and community service. A 2006 Second-Team Academic All-American, Weniger is ranked 20th in the Class of 2008 (1,085 students) and has achieved a 4.00 in six of her seven semesters at the Academy. She has appeared on the Commandant's and Superintendent's Lists five times each. A respected role model and teammate, she was elected team captain this year by a vote of her teammates.

Weniger, who played in all 23 games and made 20 starting appearances this fall, led the Midshipmen to their second-consecutive Patriot League Tournament crown, as well as the program's second straight NCAA Tournament appearance. She concluded the season as the team's second-leading scorer with 13 points on three goals and a team-high seven assists.

In addition to Weniger, Navy's Lizzie Barnes (New Orleans, La.) and Lauren Bresnahan (Weston, Fla.) were part of the national ballot after all three players were named to the All-District II First Team earlier in the month.

Weniger is the second player in program history to be named an Academic All-American twice. Former standout defender Nicole Aunapu was twice named an Academic All-American in 1997 and '98.

2007 ESPN The Magazine Women's Soccer Academic All-America Team (University Div.)

Academic All-American of the Year: Rachel Buehler, Stanford

First Team: Joanna Haig, Louisville, GK; Lindsey Ozimek, Charlotte, M; Ashley Jones, Notre Dame, M; Shauna Stapleton, Purdue, M; Rachel Buehler, Stanford, D; Kate Murphy, Memphis, D; Kyleyn Felts, Arizona State, D; Sue Weber, Hofstra, D; Brittany Bisnott, Niagara, F; Kari Weniger, Navy, F; Ashley Banks, West Virginia, F.

Second Team: Anna Rodenbough, North Carolina, GK; Sarah Goss, Army, M; Ashleigh Gunning, Coastal Carolina, M; Yael Averbuch, North Carolina, M; Allison Harris, Arkansas, D; Amanda Perry, Long Beach State, D; Jenn Johnson, Auburn, D; Niccole Grimaldi, Oklahoma State, D; Aurey AdenBuie, Penn State, F; Keri Zwikker, Jacksonville, F; Elisabeth Jones, Texas A&M, F.

Third Team: Laura Boyer, Marquette, GK; Jenna Billingsley, Denver, M; Kailey Corken, Alabama, M; Zoe Bouchelle, Penn State, M; Meghan Ryon, Eastern Illinois, D; Jenae Gibbeens, Cal State Fullerton, D; Kaelyn Caldwell, Massachusetts, D; Jackie Thomas, Valparaiso, D; Erin Sullivan, South Carolina, F; Brittany Bock, Notre Dame, F; Kelsey Carpenter, Texas, F.