University of Minnesota Athletics
Bethke, Kallman Earn All-Big Ten Accolades
11/10/2010 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
"We are excited that three of our seniors were recognized by the Big Ten this season and very proud of their contributions to our season thus far," Minnesota head coach Mikki Denney Wright said. "All three have been instrumental to this program's success this season and throughout their four years here, and it's great to see the other conference coaches recognize their hard work and dedication."
One of the nation's top playmakers, Bethke (Eau Claire, Wis.) was named a 2010 Second Team All-Big Ten midfielder. The senior is tied for fifth in the country with 13 assists this season and has is tied for sixth in the Big Ten with 19 points (three goals, 13 assists). Bethke, who leads Minnesota in both points and assists, has tallied three assists in a game twice this season - tallying three assists in a 7-0 Minnesota win over Belmont on Aug. 31 and notching helpers on all three goals in a 3-0 shutout over Illinois State on Sept. 19. The senior also tallied the only goal in Minnesota's 1-0 win over Illinois on Sept. 26).
"Katie has been a versatile player for us all season, and clearly she has established herself as one of the best playmakers in the country," Denney Wright said.
Bethke currently ranks second in Minnesota history with 32 career assists and seventh all-time with 78 career points. This year's honor marks the third time in Bethke's career that the senior has been honored by the Big Ten. She earned First Team All-Big Ten honors as a junior in 2009 and was named to the All-Freshman Big Ten team in 2007.
Kallman (Woodbury, Minn.) earns her first-career conference honor as a 2010 Second Team All-Big Ten defender. The senior has been a mainstay on Minnesota's roster all season - playing every minute of action in 2010 - and ranks third in the conference and second on the team behind Bethke with seven assists this season. Kallman has earned numerous academic honors throughout her career including earning Academic All-District this year in her final season of eligibility. A two-time winner of Minnesota's Iron Woman Award, Kallman has 84 career starts to her name as one of the Big Ten's most experience players.
"Kylie has a consistent leader and an outstanding performer for us for four years, and it's wonderful to see her finally be recognized for her play in the Big Ten," Denney Wright said.
Rezac (Eden Prairie, Minn.) also earns her first career conference honor as one of the Big Ten's Sportsmanship Award winners. An Academic All-Big Ten honoree in both of her years of eligibility and another member of Minnesota's experienced senior class, Rezac has recorded four points (one goal, two assists) this season and has 22 points in 83 career appearances.
As a team, Minnesota led the Big Ten in the regular season in points (127), assists (53) and corners (148) while the Gophers finished one goal behind Penn State for the conference lead with 37 this season. Aside from Minnesota's All-Big Ten award winners, the Gophers had several players listed among conference leaders. Junior midfielder Shari Eckstrom finished the season tied for ninth in the Big Ten with seven goals and finished third in the conference with 67 shots on goal - senior midfielder Molly Rouse had 50 shots this season to finish tied for 10th. Sophomore goalkeeper Cat Parkhill tied for third in the Big Ten with six shutouts in 2010 while redshirt freshman forward Steph Brandt tied for fourth in the conference with four game-winning goals.
Minnesota hosts the NCAA First and Second Rounds this weekend at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium. Fourth-seeded Texas &M and North Dakota State kick off the tournament at 3 p.m. on Friday while Minnesota and Creighton follow at 6 p.m. The winners advance to a second round game on Sunday at 1 p.m. All times are central standard time.
