Shaffer Named MAC Hermann Trophy Semifinalist
Nov. 29, 2016
MAC Hermann Trophy Semifinalists
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Senior midfielder Alexis Shaffer (Cary, N.C.) has been named a semifinalist for the MAC Hermann Trophy it was announced by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America on Tuesday (Nov. 29).
The MAC Hermann Trophy, the most coveted individual honor in NCAA Division I soccer, has been awarded annually since 1967. Three men’s finalists and three women’s finalists will be named on December 14 at the conclusion of voting by NCAA Division I soccer coaches. The 2016 MAC Hermann Trophy banquet will be held at the Missouri Athletic Club in St. Louis on January 6, 2017 to formally announce this year’s winners.
Virginia has had a finalist for the award in four consecutive seasons with forward Caroline Miller (2012), midfielder Morgan Brian (2013, 2014) and defender Emily Sonnett (2015) all selected as finalists. Brian won the award in both seasons.
Shaffer paced the Cavalier offense this season, leading the team with 13 goals on a squad that scored 52 goals this season. Her scoring and passing ability earned her recognition as the ACC Offensive Player of the Year and ACC Midfielder of the Year. Shaffer also earned All-ACC first team honors, marking the second consecutive season for her to earn All-ACC recognition.
One of the top offensive players in Virginia history, she ranks sixth all-time in goals (37) and points (103) for her career which is second among Virginia midfielders behind two-time MAC Hermann Trophy winner Morgan Brian in both categories. Ten of her 37 goals have been game-winners, including three this season. In 2016, Shaffer was involved in 20 of the 52 goals scored by Virginia, contributing in almost 40 percent of the team’s offensive output.
She is seventh all-time at Virginia in assists with 29, with 13 of those coming on game-winning goals.
Shaffer helped Virginia advance to the Round of 16 in the NCAA Tournament this season, marking the 12th consecutive season that UVA has advanced to at least the Round of 16. When her season ended, Shaffer led the SEC in goals (13) and points (32). Her seven assists ranked sixth in the ACC and she ranked among the national leaders in all three categories.
For more information about the history of the MAC Hermann Trophy, visit MACHermannTrophy.org.