Three women's soccer players at the University of Rochester have been named as recipients of the inaugural 2020-21 College Player Award of Distinction announced by the United Soccer Coaches (USC).
The players are junior goalkeeper Emma Schechter (Bellaire, FL/Largo), senior defender Meghan Martin (Glastonbury, CT/Glastonbury), and graduate school defender Giuliana Vasile (Pittsford, NY/Pittsford Sutherland).
 
USC announced a total of 325 women's players for the inaugural award and 184 men's players. The award is given across NCAA Divisions I, II, and III, the NAIA and NCCAA, plus the Junior Colleges.
 
Coaches across the divisions nominated players based on one or more of the following criteria: (1) The player has achieved quality performance on the field; (2) The player represented the highest ideals of team leadership; (3) The player exhibited quality character attributes including sportsmanship and respect for teammates, opponents, officials, and the game in general; (4) The player made other significant contributions to the benefit of the program and the community.
 
Rochester will open the 2021 season at the Brian F. Prince Athletic Complex on Wednesday, September 1 against SUNY Geneseo. Kickoff in Edwin Fauver Stadium is scheduled for 4 pm.