KANSAS CITY, Kan. - Three University of South Alabama soccer players were named 2009 National Soccer Coaches Association of America Scholar All-South Region honorable mention, as announced by the NSCAA office.

Jaguar goalkeeper Katie Berry, defender Allie Frakes and midfielder Samantha Stocker, all seniors, were named to the scholar all-region team for the first time in their careers. USA soccer has had at least one player receive the honor in seven of the last nine seasons, dating back to 2000.

"During their time at South Alabama, Katie, Allie and Sam have been the definition of student-athletes," USA soccer head coach Mike Varga said. "All three have very bright futures ahead of them.  It is a well-deserved honor that symbolizes their hard work on and off the field, and they should be proud of what they have accomplished during their time at the University of South Alabama."

To be nominated for consideration, student-athletes must have at least a 3.30 cumulative grade point average  throughout their career, start more than 50 percent of all games and be a significant contributor to the team as a junior or above in academic standing at the current institution.

Berry, a three-time Sun Belt Conference Honor Roll recipient, ended her career at USA by breaking the program's single-game saves record with 18 saves against Arkansas State this season. The North Olmsted, Ohio, native broke former Jaguar Amber Angermeier's seven-year-old record of 17 saves, which was set against Tennessee in 2002.

Frakes, a native of Richardson, Texas, and a 2008 SBC Honor Roll recipient, appeared in 33 games during her Jaguar career after transferring to USA prior to her junior season. She started in 15 of the Jags' 19 matches this season, and scored her first career goal at USA against Middle Tennessee and recorded her first career assist as a Jaguar against Florida International.

Stocker, a native of Annandale, Va., has also been named to the SBC Honor Roll for three consecutive years. She appeared in 76 games with 46 starts during her four-year career at USA. She led the Jaguars in goals, points and shots as a freshman, and recorded 16 goals, four assists and 36 points in her career.

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).

-USA-