PALATINE, Ill. – Last week at the Harper College Fall Sports Banquet, the Harper College women's soccer team recognized their squad that earned the school's third trip to nationals under head coach Dwayne Cruz. Five players earned postseason honors, highlighted by Bree Nishibun (Palatine, Ill., Fremd) earning First Team All-America honors.  

Goalkeeper Monica Hinderer (Rolling Meadows, Ill., The Willows Academy) was voted as the team's MVP, Devan Swank was the team's offensive player of the year, Nishibun was defensive player of the year and Sancha Ogden (Hanover Park, Ill., Hoffman Estates) was the team's most improved.

Nishibun scored five goals on the year for the Hawks despite rotating between forward and defense.  She was also honored as a scholar athlete for her work in the classroom.

“It was do-or-die for her at nationals,” Cruz said at the banquet.  “She was hammered every game at nationals, no matter what.  She didn't want to give up any time on the field and played an outstanding tournament.  She's very deserving.”

Stephanie Chaires earned First Team All-Region while Swank, Weslie Iza (Palatine, Ill., Fremd) and Caila Bender (Schaumburg, Ill., Hoffman Estates) were Second Team All-Region for a team that battled injuries all season and finished the season ranked 9th in the NJCAA Div. III poll.

“At the beginning of the season, I saw a group of girls that were very talented,” Cruz said.  “I said that if we could play well all season, we would be at the national tournament.  I saw the talent that we had.  Throughout the season, we had eight players injured.  We played short-handed most of the season.  I told our girls to not worry about it, we just have to win the region. This whole team is a family.  We preach it all the time.  There is no one player that is above anyone else on the team.  They proved it this year in their effort.”