Aug. 25, 2009
COLLEGE STATION, Texas - Texas A&M freshman Mary Grace Schmidt was named the Big 12's first Newcomer of the Week for the 2009 season, the league office announced on Tuesday.
From Orange, Calif., the 5-10 midfielder produced her first collegiate goal for the game-winner in the Aggies' 3-0 shutout of No. 8 USC. She played all 90 minutes in her college debut and her two shots, both on goal, made for a perfect shot on goal percentage. Schmidt also aided the A&M defense in holding the Trojans to just 10 shots and from taking any shots on goal in the second half.
Schmidt earned the conference honor for the first time in her career.
With Texas A&M's win over the Trojans, the Aggies moved up to No. 6 in both the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) poll and Soccer Time's top 25. North Carolina holds the top spot followed by Notre Dame, Portland, Stanford and Florida State.
The NSCAA ranked A&M first in the central region over Colorado, Memphis, Missouri, Oklahoma State, Texas, UAB, Central Florida, Kansas and East Carolina, respectively.
The sixth-ranked Aggies return to action on Friday night at the Aggie Soccer Stadium. Kickoff against Purdue is set for 8 p.m.
Tickets are available for purchase online at tickets.12thmanfoundation.com or by calling 1-888-99-AGGIE.
Big 12 Players of the Week
2009 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week
Aug. 25 -- Hanna Gilmore, Fr., Baylor
2009 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week
Aug. 25 -- Kara Linder, Sr., Colorado
2009 Big 12 Newcomer of the Week
Aug. 25 -- Mary Grace Schmidt, Fr., Texas A