Dec. 20, 2005

LOGAN, Utah - Utah State soccer player Liz Masson was recognized recently as a National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Regional Scholar Athlete. She becomes just the fourth Aggie soccer player to earn the award as she was named a third team selection.

"For Liz to finish her career with this honor is so appropriate," said head coach Heather Cairns. "Honorees must exemplify outstanding soccer skills and academic achievement, and Liz has been a leader for our team in both those areas."

A senior defender from Salt Lake City, Utah, Masson finished her career being named first-team all-WAC as she led the Aggie backline to six shutouts in 2005, including four against conference opponents. She is just one of five players in school history to earn first-team all-conference honors.

Masson was also a threat on offense down the stretch for USU. In the Aggies' final two games of the season she tallied her second career assist against Boise State and her first career goal against Idaho on senior day.