Rachelle Coetzee and Jessie Martin chalked up another accolade this week when the National Field Hockey Coaches' Association selected them for the Division I Senior All-Star Game.
The game features 38 of the best senior field hockey players from across the country and will be played in Martin's hometown of Louisville, Ky., at the University of Louisville's Trager Stadium on Nov. 22.
I can't wait to play
Coetzee said.
Martin, who was the 2007 Mid-American Conference Player of the Year and was named to the 2007 NFHCA All-West Region First Team, said this recognition was special.
I read it (Wednesday) night and it was awesome the starting goalkeeper said. I haven't had a chance to play at home in front of not only the best players in the nation but my family
who can conveniently come and watch.
Martin, the starting goalie the last three seasons, is 36-22 in 60 career starts with 271 career saves as a Bobcat. She has helped Ohio go to two consecutive MAC tournament championships.
As part of a defensive unit that's allowed 1.52 goals against per game the last two years, Martin said a lot of her success could be attributed to the play of the defenders.
My defense is some of my best friends
she said. Knowing them and knowing how to set up the defense has helped me.
Keeping ears and eyes open has been another important ingredient.
When I first came in
I was a young bully and I had a lot to learn
Martin said. I picked (coach Neil Macmillan's) brain more and more.
Despite spending most of her time on the other end of the field, Coetzee has been equally important in bringing the program to where it is. She was named to the NFHCA All-West Region Second Team last year after tallying 11 goals. Her 219 career shots rank fifth all-time.
This season, Coetzee is more the focal point of the offense. She leads Ohio with nine goals and 40 shots.
Neil was a big part of it
the Bloemfontein, South Africa, native said. The team helped me a lot.
Coetzee and Martin are the 12th and 13th Ohio players to receive invitations to the All-Star Game and the only players who will represent the MAC in 2008.
Before the end of the season, however, Ohio must work its way back to the top of the MAC.
Ball State and Miami come to town this weekend in Ohio's last home games of the season. Ohio is currently behind Kent State and Miami for a first-round bye.
It's been probably the best week (of the season) in terms of hours put in by the team
Macmillan said. Just coming in
watching film. It's already made a difference in our practice this week.
