Two St. Edward’s University women’s soccer players have been named Third Team All-Americans.

Seniors Kelly Boyd and Janae Averett received the honors, among others, last week.

Through the college recruitment process and their four years under St. Edward’s head coach Nick Cowell, Boyd and Averett have come a long way from their Round Rock-based soccer club.

“My goal for them is that they have learned a lot about team chemistry and the importance of people working together for a common goal,” Cowell said. “The other thing is how to become a better leader. These are things they can take to the workplace after they graduate.”

The two women helped the soccer team it to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight and tied the university’s single-season record for wins.

Cowell described both women as aggressive, smart and cooperative on the field.

Averett, a forward, improved her goal percentage each year of her college career, making 22 percent of all Hilltopper goals in her final season. Averett attributes her success to the team and training from her coaches.

“Nick is a phenomenal coach, and he teaches us everything that we need to know, and as an individual who wants to succeed in soccer, I took everything that he could give me, tried to absorb it and do with it the best I could,” Averett said. “He commits all his time perfecting us not only as a team, but also as individual players.”

In addition to being awarded third team All-American, Averett also was named Daktronice first-team all-region, NSCAA first-team all-region, and Heartland Conference Offensive Player of the Year.

“Janae is very competitive and brought a level of intensity to the team,” Cowell said. “On game days, she wants to win, she’s a winner, and she’ll do anything she can for the team.”

Averett’s numbers contributed to the team’s success; however, the team’s 11 shutouts this season would not have been possible without a strong defense.

Captain and center defender Boyd received recognition for her skill and abilities in the defensive slot, as well as her academic achievements. In addition to her All-American award, Boyd was named Second Team-Scholar All-American, Daktronics First-Team All-Region, NSCAA first-team all-region, Heartland Conference Player of the Year, and Conference Defensive Player of the Year.

Cowell puts his juniors through leadership courses to teach and evaluate the potential team captain candidates, and according to Cowell, Boyd shone under this challenge.

“Kelly stepped in the spring of her junior year, and she really took on board what we demand of our leaders,” Cowell said. “It was really a no-brainer for her to be the team captain.”

Boyd said her leadership style was to lead by example both on and off the field, and showing her teammates how to be a successful student athlete. By showing up ready to practice on time, attending team functions, and organizing other functions, Boyd led by example. She even hosted team dinners at her apartments.

Boyd traveled to Baltimore to attend the National Soccer Coaches Association of America Luncheon to receive recognition for her accomplishments. Averett was unable to attend.

“I was only really worried about falling while walking across the stage,” Boyd said. “It was kind of intimidating [being around the other recipients] because there were a lot of great athletes there.”

Both Averett and Boyd said they are sad that their NCAA soccer career has come to a close; however, they are currently enjoying their free time away from spring training.

Both girls, along with goalie Troi Jorgensen, have been given opportunities to play for a semi-professional team in Sweden upon their graduation in May.