Gordon College's women's soccer team recently completed its most successful season in history, and the postseason awards have been pouring in for one of the team's top players. Goalkeeper Jennifer Junius, Fayetteville, was recently named Georgia Junior College Athletic Conference Player of the year and has been nominated for All-American honors.

Junius, who was also named to All-Region and Tournament teams, Team MVP and Team Captain, led the Lady Highlander's to Gordon's first ever state soccer title this season. She started all 21 games and recorded 259 saves in the team's record 15-5-2 season. In her two year career, she started 42 of 43 games, recording 416 saves and 14 shut-outs.

"Jennifer played with an awful lot of heart this season," said head coach Harold Henderson. "She was our only keeper on the team and despite being banged up pretty much all season, she played in every game at an extremely high level. She will definitely be missed next season." The Lady Highlanders fell to Hines Junior College in the Southeast Regionals, after defeating Georgia Perimeter College for the school's first state title ever.

Junius is a graduate of Fayette County High School and is the daughter of Thomas and Christine Junius of Fayetteville.

Four former McIntosh players won awards at the Highlander men's soccer banquet. Ryan Baumer, Brady Byerly, Brad Barnette and Patrick Baumer were recognized at the season ending banquet. Ryan Baumer was named a captain; Byerly won most valuable midfielder; Barnette won the coach's award and Patrick Baumer won the academic award.

Ryan Baumer, who played sweeper, was one of the team's leaders on Gordon's 12-11 squad. He started 37 matches in his two year career, scoring 10 goals, dishing out five assists and making 10 saves. "Ryan is an excellent all-around soccer player," said head coach Harold Henderson. " He has an outstanding knowledge of the game and he can play with the best players in our league."

Byerly, a midfielder, started a team high 41 matches for the Highlanders in his two years. For his career, he scored three goals, had 11 assists and six saves. "Brad is a very good defensive midfielder as well as an offensive worker," said Henderson. "He is a very tough player and always plays his best against the tougher competition."

Barnette, a full back, started 31 games for Gordon and had 18 career saves. "Brad switched from sweeper to marking back and did a good job," said Henderson. "He is a leader through example. He is a solid defender and can play any defensive position."

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