Nov. 14, 2008

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - University of Tennessee women's soccer player Jaimel Johnson earned a spot on Top Drawer Soccer's National Team of the Season a week after taking home the SEC Tournament Most Valuable Player Award. The senior goalkeeper helped lead the Lady Vols to their fourth SEC Tournament title in program history and eighth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance.

Johnson became the first player in program history to earn the tournament MVP award last week after leading Tennessee to victories over Auburn and Georgia and a draw with LSU that was decided on penalties. Through the three matches, Johnson recorded a 0.62 goals against average, made 13 saves and stopped two penalty kicks in the semifinal shootout with LSU.

The Dayton, Ohio, native has posted 10 wins this season, shutting out five opponents. Johnson boasts a 1.21 goals against average so far in 2008, making 80 saves while facing 243 shots. During the year, she has moved into UT's top three all-time in minutes played (5,304), shutouts (20), victories (31) and goals against average (1.07).

Joining Johnson on the second team was LSU's Malorie Rutledge, the 2008 SEC Offensive Player of the Year. Florida defender Lauren Hyde was named to the third team to round out the SEC players on the National Team of the Season. North Carolina junior Casey Nogueira earned Top Drawer Soccer Player of the Year honors, while Michigan State freshman Laura Heyboer is the Freshman of the Year.

Johnson will now lead Tennessee into its NCAA Tournament first round matchup with Charlotte on Friday night. The Lady Vols and 49ers are set to get underway at 7:30 p.m. at Fetzer Field in Chapel Hill, N.C. The winner of the game will meet the winner of the other matchup between No. 1 seed North Carolina and Western Carolina in Sunday's second round at 1 p.m.