MURRAY, Ky. – Eastern Kentucky University senior soccer player Amani Thomas has been voted first team All-Ohio Valley Conference, the league announced from its annual awards banquet on Thursday night.
Thomas played in an attacking role in her first three years as a Colonel, but moved to the backline midway through this season. The results were palpable, and conference coaches took notice.
Thomas rarely came off the field as an outside back in EKU’s final six games of the season, and the Colonels never allowed more than one goal in any of those games. Using her speed and athleticism to oftentimes lock down the opposing team’s best scorer, she played key roles in consecutive shutouts over UT Martin on October 11 and Eastern Illinois on October 16.
The native of Pickering, Ontario also scored a goal off a cross from junior Cassie Smith versus regular season conference champion Murray State on September 24. It was her fourth career score.
It is the fourth consecutive season the EKU defense has produced a first team All-OVC player. Emily D’Italia and Lauren Fant were named first team all-conference in 2012, while Paige Larkin earned the honor in 2013 and 2014.
Thomas is the eighth Colonel, overall, to be named first team All-OVC, joining Heather Bruce (2008), Maddy Shumaker (2008), Nikki Donnelly (2010, 2012), Carly Muller (2011), D’Italia, Fant and Larkin.
The All-OVC teams were voted on by league head coaches and sports information directors.
EKU finished the 2015 season with a 4-6 mark in OVC play.
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