Taylorsville's Stephanie Ebner was recently named to the Parade Magazine All-American High School Girls' Soccer Team, the most prestigious honor a high school player can receive.
Ebner joins Bountiful's Caroline Putz, a two-time winner in 1997 and '98, and Brighton's Pardis Ariazand, a 1998 selection, as the only Utahns to receive such an honor.
"I was very excited. We went out to dinner for it," said Ebner. "It means a lot because it's something that not everyone gets, it's something you have to work for."
The Parade team is selected by a panel of college coaches, recruiters and scouts. Ebner is one of 11 defenders on the Parade team.
Ebner, a first-team all-state selection last October, is not only regarded as the best player in Utah, but one of the best in the nation.
Despite a serious knee injury suffered last November while training with the under-16 national team in Florida, Ebner was still selected by U-19 coach Tracy Leonne to join a pool of 32 players that will ultimately represent the United States at the 2002 under-19 Women's World Cup.
That roster will eventually be trimmed to 18, of which Ebner hopes to be a part.
Ebner is recovering well from her December ACL surgery and is hoping to get final clearance from her doctor next week to begin practicing at full speed. She's eyeing the Nomads Showcase Tournament in late March as her comeback.
CAVANAUGH HONORED: Alta forward Jacob Cavanaugh has been named the Gatorade Utah Soccer Player of the Year.
As a junior last year, Cavanaugh led the Hawks to the 5A championship game. He recorded 12 goals and eight assists in the process. Alta coach Lee Mitchell envisions even brighter things during Cavanaugh's senior season.
"Jacob understands the game and what needs to be done to help the team be successful," said Mitchell. "He has all the tools to get the job done: speed, ball skills and a great shot."
Cavanaugh was a first-team all-state selection last year.
UTAH HALL OF FAME: The Utah Soccer Association will induct five new members into its Utah Soccer Hall of Fame on March 3.
Ronnie Almond (West Valley City), Mary Elting (Corona, Calif.), Garlan Fitzgerald (Orem), Jan Hansen (Salt Lake City) and Heinz Vosgerau (Salt Lake City) will all be inducted at a ceremony at the Salt Lake Sheraton. For information call 263-8166.
William Simpson will also receive a lifetime achievement award for his contributions toward soccer officiating in the state.
E-mail: jedward@desnews.com