Oklahoma State University Athletics
Cowgirls Collect All-Big 12 Honors
November 04, 2009 | Cowgirl Soccer
Nov. 4, 2009
IRVING, Texas – Highlighted by a conference-best three first-team honorees, Oklahoma State had five players named to 2009 All-Big 12 Conference Soccer Teams, it was announced by the league office today.
Earning first-team accolades for the Cowgirls were junior midfielder Annika Niemeier, sophomore defender Melinda Mercado and freshman goalkeeper AD Franch. Senior forward Kasey Langdon earned a spot on the second team, while Franch and freshman defender Carson Michalowski were named to the All-Newcomer Team.
OSU's three first-team honorees is a program record, as is having four players named all-conference. The previous high for Cowgirl first teamers was two, which came last season, while OSU had three all-league picks in 2004 and 2008.
“This is a great accomplishment for those kids and our program,” said OSU head coach Colin Carmichael. “It shows the talent we do have on this team. It's just a tremendous achievement, and I'm really proud and happy that those girls were honored.”
Langdon is the only OSU player to garner All-Big 12 first- or second-team honors previously. She was a first-team selection last season. The Wylie, Texas native has four goals and two assists this season and ranks among OSU's all-time leaders in those categories.
Niemeier leads OSU with nine goals, four assists and 20 points in 2009. Five of the German's nine goals have been game winners. In conference play, Niemeier recorded four goals – three of them game winners – and three assists, leading the Cowgirls in both categories.
A Freshman All-American and member of the Big 12 All-Newcomer team last season, Mercado anchors an OSU defense that leads the Big 12 with 11 shutouts, just one shy of the school's single-season record. The Cowgirls have allowed only 13 goals and sport a 0.68 goals against average, both of which also lead the league.
A product of Salina, Kan., Franch had a record-breaking freshman season in goal for the Cowgirls. She tied a school record with eight shutouts, a total which leads the league. Her goals against average of 0.63 also tops the conference and is on pace to shatter the OSU record.
A freshman from Plano, Texas, Michalowski has started all 19 games at defender for the Cowgirls. She has a been a key part of a defense that has allowed just 13 goals, recorded 11 shutouts and sports a 0.68 goals against average, all of which lead the Big 12.
The All-Big 12 Soccer Teams are voted on by the league's head coaches, who are not allowed to vote for their own players.
