Feb. 4, 2004

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - Senior defender Catherine Reddick of the University of North Carolina women's soccer team, winner of the 2003 Honda Soccer Award and the 2003 Missouri Athletic Club's Hermann Trophy, will have her No. 31 officially retired during ceremonies at halftime of the Duke versus North Carolina men's basketball game Thursday night at the Dean E. Smith Center. Reddick's number became eligible for retirement according to rules of the UNC Athletics Council after she won the two aforementioned National Player of the Year accolades during her senior year.

Reddick is the 12th player in North Carolina women's soccer history to have her number officially retired by the university. She follows April Heinrichs (1983-86), Shannon Higgins (1986-89), Kristine Lilly (1989-92), Mia Hamm (1989-93), Tisha Venturini (1991-94), Debbie Keller (1993-96), Robin Confer (1994-97), Staci Wilson (1994-97), Cindy Parlow (1995-98), Lorrie Fair (1996-99) and Meredith Florance (1997-2000) in having their numbers so honored by the university's Athletics Council. National Player of the Year status must be attained by the student-athlete to be eligible.

"I don't think anyone would want to wear 31 in the future, so it's a good thing its getting retired," said Reddick jokingly from China where she has been competing in a tournament for the United States National Team. "I almost can't believe that I am being included among the other players who have had their jerseys retired. I've tried to follow the traditions they've set at UNC and on the national team, and this is just a really special honor. I'm sure I will have chills, that is if I can still stand up after being awake for two days."

Reddick (Birmingham, Ala.) spent part of the 2003 collegiate season with the U.S. Women's National Team, where she was a starting defender in the 2003 Women's World Cup. She returned to UNC following the World Cup to score six goals and dish out five assists for 17 points in 13 matches. The senior defender was a key part of Carolina's historic season in which the Tar Heels went 27-0-0, the best record ever in women's college soccer.

Reddick keyed a dominant UNC defense that did not allow a goal in post-season play, earning NCAA Tournament Defensive MVP honors. North Carolina posted a 6-0 shutout over Connecticut in the finals to capture the school's 18th national championship.