FLC women's soccer players honored

Folsom Lake College soccer players recently were recognized at the annual Folsom Lake College awards banquet. Two soccer players, Hope Martin-Northrup and Tea Reyes, earned two big awards from the school. Martin-Northrup earned the Female Athlete of the Year award, while Reyes earned the Bruce Werner Falcon of the Year award. "This award means a lot to me," Martin-Northrup said. "It topped off all the rest of my awards. I wasn't expecting to get this award, but I was so excited and nervous when I got it." Folsom Lake College's women's soccer coach Donny Ribaudo was proud of Martin-Northrup earning the award. "Hope Martin-Northrup is the definition of a game-changer," Ribaudo said. "Her impact on our program goes beyond statistics and accolades — though being named Big 8 Defender of the Year, 3C2A MVP, National Player of the Year, and leading us to back-to-back state championships says it all. She brought heart, discipline, and leadership. Being named Female Athlete of the Year is a well-deserved honor for one of the most dominant and driven players I've ever had the privilege to coach." Martin-Northrup was one of 10 Folsom Lake College women's soccer players who will be playing college at the next level next season. She will play at Sacramento State. "This opportunity is everything to me," Martin-Northrup said. "I've been working so hard to get to where I am at and Sac State is my opportunity to keep doing what I have been doing." Reyes was excited to earn the Bruce Werner Falcon of the Year award, which goes to only one athlete who has proven ability in their sport, a minimum 3.0 GPA and a commitment to serving the community. This athlete truly represents what it means to be a Falcon. The award is named after Dr. Bruce Werner, who over the years and in many different roles was instrumental in bringing athletics to Folsom Lake College. "Winning the Bruce Werner Award for FLC women's soccer is an incredible honor," Reyes said. "I feel such pride knowing this award represents recognition for the hard work I have put into my soccer career here at FLC. Being recognized for efforts I have put into my academics as I pursue my degree in criminal justice, along with my contributions to the community this season, have been amazing. I feel such pride knowing that my efforts have made such a positive impact." Ribaudo said the award was well deserved. "Tea Reyes is the kind of player every coach dreams of — relentless, humble, and a true leader on and off the field," Ribaudo said. "Being named Bruce Warner Falcon of the Year is a testament not only to her incredible talent as a two-time All-American, but also to her character, work ethic, and the impact she's had on this program. Tea has left a legacy at Folsom Lake College that will inspire future Falcons for years to come." Like her teammate Martin-Northrup, Reyes will continue her soccer career at Sac State this fall. "I am absolutely thrilled to play soccer at Sacramento State," Reyes said. "The excitement of competing at this level while being so close to home is incredible. It means so much to me to have my family and friends nearby cheering me on." The other eight Folsom Lake College women's soccer players to sign with schools include Laila Hadid and Destin Armstrong (Chico State), Natalie Mack and Katy Shurson (John Jay College), Mika Voyer (Lesley University), Linnea Sybersma (Monterey Bay), Kamaya Yazzie (Dominican) and Andrea Hernandez (Jessup University). The Folsom Lake College women's soccer team also had the best GPA of all sports teams at Folsom Lake College, a 3.44, and was named the Academic Team of the Year. "Winning the Academic Team of the Year with a 3.44 GPA, while also capturing both the Big 8 Conference and State Championship titles, speaks volumes about the character and commitment of this group," Ribaudo said. "These student-athletes have set the standard — proving that you can excel at the highest level both on the field and in the classroom. I couldn't be prouder of the way they've represented Folsom Lake College with integrity, discipline, and excellence in every aspect of their journey."