Griffin Named to Hermann Trophy Watch List

Griffin Named to Hermann Trophy Watch List

8/29/2006

Griffin also named to three Preseason All-American Teams

NASHVILLE, Tenn. –Senior goalkeeper and Preseason All-American Tyler Griffin was one of 25 student-athletes named to the initial Missouri Athletic Club (MAC) Hermann Trophy Watch List by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA).

Griffin was one of three keepers named to the Watch List for an honor that recognizes the top women’s soccer player in the country. In addition, she was one of three players from the Southeastern Conference named to the list along with defender Melanie Booth of Florida and Ali Christoph of Tennessee.

“Tyler’s leadership ability from the back of the field is irreplaceable,” said Vanderbilt head coach Ronnie Coveleskie. “She is confident and self assured and humorous and she is a massive competitor at the same time. She brings an air of experience and confidence that this team needs and we expect her to have a knockout year for us.”

The Charlotte, N.C., native was an NSCAA All-American and the SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 2005 after helping lead the Commodores to one of their best season’s in school history. She finished the year with a 0.43 goals against average and was in net for a school record 16 shutouts. Included in that span was a school record 559 consecutive scoreless minutes streak.

Griffin recorded her 24th career shutout in Vanderbilt’s season opening 0-0 draw against Colorado last Friday. She trails Christy Barringer (28.5) for the school record in career shutouts, needing five more to become the school’s all-time leader.

In addition to being named to the Hermann Trophy Watch List, Griffin was also named a Preseason All-American by the NSCAA, Soccer Buzz and Soccer America.

Vanderbilt tied both Colorado and Denver in last weekend’s Vanderbilt Classic. The Commodores will be back in action this weekend at the Auburn Classic in Auburn, Ala. VU will face William and Mary on Friday at 4:30 p.m., and will then take on Dartmouth Sunday at 11 a.m.