VALDOSTA, Ga. – Friday marked a historic day for Valdosta State soccer, as
Taylor Snell became the first player in program history to earn All-American honors following an announcement by the Division II Conference Commissioner's Association (D2CCA).
Snell, who appeared as an honorable mention honoree in Friday's release, posted a record 12 goals during her junior season in 2017 for an average of .631 goals per game. Her record-setting first year as a Blazer brought her to within just two goals of Blakely McClellan's career record of 14.
"This came as a shock to me," said Snell after learning of the honor on Friday. "I was honored to even be named All-Region. It's a little crazy. I went from having scored one just one goal at Armstrong and was never even named All-Conference in the Peach Belt. To come to Valdosta State and have an All-American season is a dream come true."
The awards have poured in during recent weeks for Snell, who was also named First Team All-Region by the D2CCA earlier in November. In addition, the Peachtree City, Ga. native received Second Team All-Region honors from United Soccer Coaches and also earned First Team All-Gulf South Conference recognition. Snell was also a GSC Player of the Year nominee.
"My teammates have been awesome this year," added Snell. "They've pushed me to be a better player, and everybody on this team has been super supportive. I've already received several text messages today from them as word got out about this award.
Riley Tennant and I have received a lot of the same awards this season, and when this one came out today she was very supportive, which was just awesome. I wasn't sure what to expect as a new girl this year. No one really knew who I was or what kind of player I was, but Coach
Stephen Andrew and my teammates have pushed me to be the best that I can be. It's been a lot of fun."
As mentioned, Snell will go down in VSU soccer history as the first player to ever earn All-American honors for the program, and Coach Andrew couldn't be prouder of his first-year midfielder.
"From the first day at practice this season, Taylor worked hard and set a great example to the other members of the team as to the standards we expect," said Andrew. "This award allows Taylor to have her very own piece of history here at Valdosta State, and this is well deserved after the season she had for us."
"The exciting thing is that we get to see her for another whole season as a senior next year," added Andrew with a smile.
