April 28, 2003

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - Senior Meredith Keller received four awards Saturday evening as the North Carolina field hockey program handed out its annual team honors. Keller, a midfielder from Greenville, Del., was named the team's MVP and was the recipient of three new awards: the Lingo Award for Spectators' Player of the Year, the Players' Player of the Year award and the Keller Award for Open-Play Assists.

A four-year starter for the Tar Heels, Keller earned second-team All-America honors in 2002. She also was named to the All-Region, All-Atlantic Coast Conference and All-ACC Tournament teams.

Naomi Weatherald, who play every minute of all 20 games last season, was named UNC's Rookie of the Year. Alison Stewart, the only rising senior on the squad, received the Unsung Hero Award. Stephanie Fuller, a senior during the 2002 season, received the Leadership Award.

The awards highlighted Alumni Weekend in Chapel Hill. On Saturday afternoon, the team scrimmaged against former players with the current Tar Heels winning 6-5 in overtime.

Ken and Cheryl Williams Rookie of the Year Award: Naomi Weatherald
Past winners: Kate Barber, 1994; Nancy Pelligreen, 1995; Jana Toepel, 1996; Carrie Lingo, 1997; Abby Martin, 1998; Meredith Keller, 1999; Katy Potter, 2000; Carey Fetting-Smith, 2001

Lingo Award as the Spectators' Player of the Year: Meredith Keller
This is a new award stemming from a team tradition started last season. After each game, spectators vote on a "Player of the Game" and the winner is announced at the postgame tailgate. The top three vote-getters each week are recorded then tabulated and the end of the season to determine the annual winner

Players' Player Award: Meredith Keller
Another new award, this one is selected by a vote of the team.

Marjorie Moses Schwab Unsung Hero Award: Alison Stewart
Past winners: Sharon Moore, 1994; Susannah Schott, 1995; Christy Utter, 1996; Joy Driscoll, 1997; Jana Toepel, 1998; Erin Cox, 1999; Susan Hayes, 2000; Susan Hayes, 2001

Keller Award for Open-Play Assists: Meredith Keller
A first-year award, this recognizes an unselfish player who sets up open-field goals for her teammates.

Carmen and Michael Hooker Leadership Award: Stephanie Fuller
This award, established in honor of former chancellor Michael Hooker and his wife, Carmen, recognizes a Tar Heel who provides significant leadership throughout the season.
Past winners: Nicole Frey, 1999; Jana Toepel, 2000; Susan Hayes, 2001

Anderson Mark of Excellence Most Valuable Player Award: Meredith Keller
Past winners: Barb Hansen, 1994; Kim Schroll, 1995; Jana Withrow, 1996; Cindy Werley, 1997; Nancy Pelligreen, 1998; Jana Toepel, 1999; Kristen McCann, 2000; Abby Martin, 2001