Nov. 6, 2003

SOMERSET, N.J. - On Thursday, Nov. 6th, at the annual Big East Conference Championship Awards Banquet, the Big East announced its 2003 post-season honors and award winners. Villanova University junior defender Michelle Biehl was named to the All-Big East second team for the second consecutive season. Wildcat Freshman midfielder Jamie Weist was also honored as she earned Big East All-Rookie Team accolades.

Biehl was named Big East Defensive Player of the Week three times during the 2003 campaign. She leads a Villanova defense that posted 13 shutouts and allowed just 10 goals in 20 games this season (0.49 GAA).

Earlier this season Biehl was named to the Missouri Athletic Club's "Watch List" of players considered among the top candidates for the 2003 Missouri Athletic Club's Hermann trophy. The M.A.C.'s Hermann Trophy is college soccer's version of the Heisman Trophy and represents the highest level of individual achievement in the sport.

Weist played in 20 games as a freshman for the Wildcats this season, starting in four of those contessts. Villanova's rookie midfielder scored two goals and added two assists for six points.

Notre Dame dominated the Big East's major awards this season. Irish head coach Randy Waldrum was named Big East Coach of the Year, senior Melissa Tancredi was named Defensive Player of the Year, and freshman defender Christie Shaner was tabbed conference Co-Rookie of the Year. Sharing All-Rookie honors with Shaner was Connecticut freshman Meghan Schnur. Other award winners were West Virginia senior Lisa Stoia who was named Big East Midfielder of the Year, and Boston College sophomore Kate Taylor who was named Big East Goalkeeper of the Year.