Northwestern University Athletics
Westlund Garners Big Ten All-Freshman Team Honors
11/11/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Nov. 11, 2009
Read the complete Big Ten release (PDF) 
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern defender Briana Westlund (Cottage Grove, Minn./Park) was named to the 2009 Big Ten All-Freshman team, the conference office announced Wednesday.
Westlund was the only freshman in the Big Ten to play every minute for her team this season. She is believed to be the first newcomer in Northwestern history to play every minute of her freshman season at center back.
The Minnesota native was a key contributor to Northwestern's six shutouts in 2009 and was also second among the team's freshmen with five shots recorded.
Westlund's selection marks the seventh consecutive season the 'Cats have been represented on the All-Freshman team.
Senior defender Ali Rubnitz (Los Gatos, Calif./Los Gatos) was Northwestern's recipient of the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award. Student-athletes are selected for the Sportsmanship Award through a track record of sportsmanship, good ethical behavior, good citizenship away from the field and a strong academic record.
BIG TEN AWARDS
Offensive Player of the Year: Katie Schoepfer, Penn State
Defensive Player of the Year: Alyssa Naeher, Penn State
Freshman of the Year: Christine Nairn, Penn State
Coach of the Year: Erica Walsh, Penn State
