Aug. 17, 2016
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – In lieu of the league’s usual preseason all-conference team, for the first time in SEC soccer history, the conference has announced a preseason coaches’ watch list.
Four Commodores represent the black and gold on the inaugural list; defender Cristina De Zeeuw, defender/midfielder Sasha Gray, midfielder Kacy Scarpa and midfielder Lydia Simmons.
Vanderbilt kicks-off its season this weekend, first traveling north to face the Miami Redhawks on Friday at 3:00 pm CT, then rounds off play on Sunday, visiting Nashville neighbor, Lipscomb, at 5:00 pm CT
De Zeeuw:
Last season, the Overland Park, Kan. native played and started in all 21 games. At center back, the then sophomore was a crucial part of Vanderbilt defense allowing just 23 goals, the fewest since 2006. She logged 1,952 minutes, the second-most on the team, and played 19 full games. De Zeeuw scored her first career goal against Gonzaga as she kicked in a shot six yards away after receiving a corner kick.
Gray:
A versatile player who moved from forward to midfield to defense last season, Gray started and played in all 21 games. The Nesconset, N.Y. scored a goal and had two assists, her second assist connected to Taylor Elliott fo the game-tying goal in win against No. 8 South Carolina. Sasha’s lone goal came against Lipscomb.
Scarpa:
After transferring from Florida State, Scarpa made immediate impact, playing and starting in 20 games and missing just one game due to a concussion. As a valuable holding midfielder, the Lakeland, Fla. native served as a reliable presence for the ‘Dores. Kacy recorded first point at Vanderbilt with assist in win against Georgia in SEC Tournament – the program’s first tournament win since 2005. Last season, Scarpa registered 1,446 minutes, including the entirety of eight games.
Simmons:
As a redshirt sophomore last season, Simmons played in all 21 games, making 20 starts. The Londonberry, N.HH native was named to All-South Region Third Team, and was second on team with five goals, 11 points and two game winners. Lydia entered the 2015 season with zero career goals, then scored first three in four games. Scored game winner in 85th minute of 1-0 victory over No. 12 Ole Miss to send Commodores to first SEC Tournament in five years. The midfielder was named SEC Co-Offensive Player of the Week after win over Ole Miss (Oct. 30).