FP women's soccer standout earns programs first honor since 1998

RINDGE, N.H. (January 10, 2002) - Franklin Pierce senior midfielder Jen Petronis (Burnt Hills, N.Y./Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake) earned a spot on the 2001 Verizon District I All-Academic College Division (Divisions II & III) Women's Soccer Team. The teams are voted on by members of College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) in the Northeast. Petronis, a member of the first team All-District, is now eligible for Verizon Academic All-America honors to be announced on February 7.

Petronis, the lone Division II women's soccer player to make either the first or second team, is the first Franklin Pierce player to earn Academic All-District honors since Pauliina Miettinen and Pauliina Auveri were named in 1998. Both went on to earn Academic All-America honors.

Petronis is a three-time National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Division II All-New England Region selection and four-time All-Conference honoree. A Dean's List student all seven semesters at the College, she has posted a 3.56 grade point average while majoring in pre-med with a minor in sports and leisure service management.

Petronis wrapped up her collegiate career at Franklin Pierce ranked seventh on the school's career scoring list with 99 career points - second among US-born players. She also ranks fourth all-time with 49 career assists and her 25 career goals is good for 14th in program history.

This fall, she earned first team All-Region and All-Northeast-10 Conference accolades after totaling 20 points with eight goals (two gamewinners) and four assists from the right midfield position.

Petronis has also been an active leader in the community. She has earned her MATP Certificate and is a volunteer with the Special Olympics and has also volunteered with several youth soccer organizations in New York and New Hampshire.

The Franklin Pierce women's soccer team wrapped up its 2001 season with a 22-1 record and ranked No. 4 in the final NSCAA Division II poll. The Ravens 22 wins set a school record and matched the Division II mark. Franklin Pierce advanced to the NCAA Final Four for a record tenth-straight season, but had its quest for a record sixth National Championship halted in the semifinals.