Six PBC Women's Soccer Players Named Academic All-Region

Six PBC women's soccer players have been named to the Academic All-Region team by CoSIDA. Three players: Kristin Burton and Ashley Elam from Armstrong Atlantic State and GCSU's Beth Couglin, were placed on the first team and are now eligible for Academic All-America consideration.  AASU's Jennifer Brian, Clayton State's Olaitan Yusuf and GCSU's Jamie Nevin were all named to the second team.

A senior from Valdosta, Ga., Elam carries a perfect 4.00 GPA in biology for the Pirates. A transfer from Darton JC in 2006, Elam has played in all 17 matches this season as a defensive midfielder and 38 matches in two seasons. She has recorded one assist this season and four total in her career and during last year's PBC Championship match, Elam converted on a penalty kick to help keep the match alive.

Sophomore Kristin Burton joins Elam on the first team as a orward, carrying a 3.74 GPA in health science. The 2006 PBC Freshman and Player of the Year, Burton ranks among the top 10 nationally in points (47) and goals (20) and has already surpassed her freshman totals of 19 goals and 45 points. A native of Ocala, Fla., Burton leads the Peach Belt Conference in points and also in game-winning goals with 10.

Coughlin, along with Nevin, are the first Academic All-Region players in GCSU history.  A junior from Douglasville, Ga., Coughlin started every game for the Bobcats in 2007 and is third in the PBC with eight assists.  She has a cumulative 4.0 GPA in nursing.

The 2007 Academic All-America team will be released by the College Sports Information Directors of America on Nov. 20.