Nebraska's LeBlanc named finalist for Hermann Trophy

Lincoln -- Nebraska senior goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc has been named one of 15 finalists for the 2000 Hermann Trophy, the National Soccer Hall of Fame announced Monday. The Hermann, college soccer's equivalent to football's Heisman Trophy, honors the outstanding male and outstanding female collegiate soccer player in the United States.

LeBlanc, a preseason All-American and all-conference selection, led the Big 12 last year with a 0.51 goals-against average, ranking fifth nationally. The Maple Ridge, British Columbia, native is also a starting goalkeeper for the Canadian National Team.

"Karina has played the top teams in the world and done well, so I think it's appropriate," Nebraska Head Coach John Walker said. "She's an experienced international keeper."

In an exhibition game against the U.S. National Team on Sunday in Kansas City, Mo., LeBlanc posted nine saves to lead the Canadians to a 1-1 tie with the Americans.

A selection board comprised of college coaches from each region of the country participated in picking the finalists, who will now be listed on official ballots that will go out to all coaches and selected media Oct. 15. The winners of the 2000 Hermann Trophy will be announced Sat., Dec. 9, at a reception ceremony in Charlotte, N.C.

Also among the 2000 female finalists are three candidates from defending national champion North Carolina, and three from Santa Clara.

2000 Hermann Trophy Finalists:

Name	School
Heather Aldama	Santa Clara
Jenni Branam	North Carolina
Susan Bush	North Carolina
Missy Gregg	Dayton
Isabelle Harvey	Southern California
Karina LeBlanc	Nebraska
Anne Makinen	Notre Dame
Mary-Frances Monroe	Connecticut
Laurie Schwoy	North Carolina
Danielle Slaton	Santa Clara
Nikki Thole	Missouri
Nicky Thrasher	Texas A&M
Aly Wagner	Santa Clara
Abby Wambach	Florida
Christie Welsh	Penn State