Aug. 18, 2008

NEW ORLEANS, LA - The Sun Belt Conference released its 2008 Sun Belt Preseason Soccer Poll and All-Sun Belt Team Monday, with Denver receiving nine first-place votes by the league's 12 head coaches.

The Pioneers received 141 total points, followed by second-place North Texas with 128. Western Kentucky came in third (115), followed by Middle Tennessee (109), FAU (97), Louisiana-Lafayette (78), South Alabama (69), UALR (53) FIU (52), Louisiana-Monroe (39), Arkansas State (33) and Troy (22).

North Texas sophomore Kendall Juett was named Preseason Player of the Year after starting all 23 games in 2007, as well as being selected first-team All-Sun Belt. The midfielder ranks in the top 10 all-time in four different offensive categories over her career. She is seventh all-time in assists (20), eighth in shots (141), ninth in points (62) and 10th in goals scored (21). Mean Green senior Brittany Cleveland also landed on the squad.

Denver saw a league-high four players selected to the All-Conference team, including seniors Jessi Keller, a member of last season's preseason All-SBC team, and Taryn Hemmings the 2006 SBC Player of the Year. Juniors Lizzy Carlson and Mackenzie Snyder were also selected.

The team also consists of forwards Kelli Jestes and Callie Oliver of Louisiana-Lafayette, junior Jennifer Threlkeld of Middle Tennessee, Tiara Smith of South Alabama, Janeke Simpkins of FAU and Morgan Thomas of Western Kentucky.

2008 Preseason Sun Belt Poll
As voted on by the league's 12 head coaches.
First place votes in parentheses.

School Points
1. Denver (9) 141
2. North Texas (2) 128
3. Western Kentucky 115
4. Middle Tennessee 109
5. Florida Atlantic 97
6. Louisiana-Lafayette 78
7. South Alabama 69
8. UALR 53
9. FIU 52
10. Louisiana-Monroe 37
11. Arkansas State 33
12. Troy 22

Preseason All-Sun Belt Team
As voted on by the league's 12 head coaches.


Forwards
Kelli Jestes (ULL, So.)
Callie Oliver (ULL, Sr.)
Jennifer Threlkeld (MT, Jr.)
Brittany Cleveland (NT, Sr.)
Tiara Smith (USA, Jr.)

Midfielders
Lizzy Carlson (DU, Jr.)
Taryn Hemmings (DU, Sr.)
Kendall Juett (NT, So.)

Defenders
Jessi Keller (DU, Sr.)
Janeke Simpkins (FAU, Sr.)
Morgan Thomas (WKU, Jr.)

Preseason Player of the Year
Kendall Juett (NT, So.)

As announced by the Sun Belt Conference