ATLANTA - Sophomore forward and 2010 Colonial Athletic Association Rookie of the Year Jewel Evans was named to the 2011 All-CAA preseason women's soccer team Tuesday, as voted on by the league's head coaches.  Senior goalkeeper Kellianne Collins and junior forward Sarah Bennettwere also recognized by the conference, earning honorable mention status.

Evans' spot on the conference preseason roster builds off the collection of honors and awards she garnered throughout her first year with Georgia State last season. Along with being recognized as 2010 Rookie of the Year, Evans also earned a spot on the All-CAA third team and All-Rookie team after tallying eight goals and eight assists for the Panthers. In addition to her end of season awards, Evans collected three CAA Rookie of the Week nods, more than any other freshman in the league. She ended her rookie season as No. 55 on the Top Drawer Soccer's "Freshman National Top 100 Women."

Collins and Bennett have also racked up their fair share of accolades playing with GSU. Last season, Collins earned a spot on the All-CAA third team and All-Tournament team. She was honored once as CAA co-Player of the week and ended the regular season ranked first in the conference in save percentage and second in saves.

In her two seasons with the team, Bennett has emerged as the Panther's top-scorer, landing seven and 10 goals in her freshman and sophomore seasons, respectively. She was named to the All-CAA second team in 2010 and All-Rookie team in 2009. Bennett ended the last years regular season on a high note, notching the game-winning goal over UNC-Wilmington to secure Georgia State's first-ever CAA Championship berth.

Joining Evans on the All-CAA preseason roster are forwards Audrey Barry (William & Mary) and Veronica Napoli (Northeastern); midfielders Courtney Breen (Hofstra), Cortlyn Bristol (William & Mary), Brittany Butts (Hofstra) and Mallory Schaffer (William & Mary); defenders Lindsay Henry (UNC Wilmington), Becky Sparks (James Madison), Kelly Thomas (George Mason) and Diana Weigel (William & Mary); and goalkeeper Jocelyn Papciak (Towson).

The Georgia State women's soccer team kicks off its 2011 season in five days on Sunday, Aug. 21 when it travels to Tennessee to take on UT-Martin at 2 p.m. The home opener will be played the following weekend on Aug. 26 as the Panthers compete against Big East's Villanova at the Panthersville Soccer Complex.

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