May 1, 2006

UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND, Va. - After proving their commitment to academics, life skills, and leadership, the women's soccer team came out on top off all other Richmond sports to win the 2005-06 A.L.L. (Academics, Life Skills, Leadership) competition.

The Richmond student-athletes competed this year not only against other schools, but against each other, in their first A.L.L. Competition. The purpose of the A.L.L. Competition was to develop student-athletes beyond the playing field, while representing their teams.

Students had the opportunity to receive points in five different categories, including Leadership, Personal and Team Enhancement, Community Outreach, Academics, Athletes Supporting Athletes, and Above and Beyond.

Points were earned, both individually and as a team, by attending different events offered to the student-athletes throughout the school year, whether it was attending other sporting events or participating in community outreach events.

While the women's soccer team took the lead in the competition, the women's lacrosse and field hockey squad followed in a close second and third and men's soccer came out on top for all men's teams.

Head coach Peter Albright was really proud of his team, but not for the reason one might think. "Competing in and winning the A.L.L. competition was fun and we really enjoyed the challenge," stated Albright. "What I am most proud of, however, is the character and individual qualities of the young women on our team."

"Their consistent commitment to academic excellence, their love of service, their sharing of their talents, and the way they lead each other and come together to meet challenges are reflective of the type of people that we have on the women's soccer team and at the University of Richmond."

Some women's soccer A.L.L. highlights from the year:

• Carrie Holland spent her spring break helping repair the Gulf Coast.

• The team participated in Bright Beginnings YMCA at the Mechanicsville YMCA where it helped YMCA kids shop for back-to-school supplies.

• The team helped freshmen move into their dorms.

• The team participated in the A-10 Food Drive where it collected donations and canned goods during a men's and women's basketball game.

• The team taught a Girl Scout troop about health, nutrition, and soccer.

• Members participated in a soccer clinic for U-10 through U-14 FC Richmond girls' teams.

• The team maintained the highest women's team GPA for two consecutive semesters.

• The team had 19 players with a 3.00 or better GPA for Fall 2005.

• Julia Bizer volunteered at a homeless shelter.

• Coach Albright participated in the athletic department blood drive.