Carly Zdanek named United Soccer Coaches All-American

KANSAS CITY, MO (12/2/17) -- Lasell College junior forward Carly Zdanek (Newton, NJ) was named to the United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division III Women's All-America Third Team, as announced Thursday evening.

Zdanek is the second female athlete in Lasell College history to earn All-America honors, and one of just five players from New England schools selected overall. She is also the second Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) female honoree. Lasell's Mack Kingman, '17 was the first female athlete from Lasell and from the GNAC to earn All-American Honors.

"I am very lucky to have teammates like mine and a coaching staff that cares so much," said Zdanek about being named an All-American. "The coaches put so much hard work into this team and I'm thankful they built this family and helped me get this award."

The 2017 GNAC Offensive Player of the Year and an All-Conference GNAC First Team selection for the second season in a row, Zdanek scored twice in the GNAC Championship, lifting the Lasers to their eighth straight title, and subsequent NCAA National Tournament appearance. Zdanek led the Lasers with 38 points, including 17 goals. With the Offensive Player of the Year honor, Zdanek joins elite company, marking the fifth time a Laser has received the honor.

"It is an honor for us to have Carly recognized as an All-American," said Director of Athletics Kristy Walter. "She has made an incredible impact on the women's soccer program during her time here and the recognition is well deserved."

So far, in her three-year career, Zdanek has played in 62 games scoring 34 goals and adding 15 assists for 83 points.  She has helped Lasell win GNAC championships in each of her three seasons.

Head coach Vito LaFrancesca on Zdanek being honored as an All-American "Proud is an understatement. She embodies everything an All-American should be."

This is Zdanek's second honor this season as she and classmate Sabrina Morais (Arlington, MA) were named All-Region selections on Tuesday.

Zdanek is now the fourth Lasell athlete to be recognized at the All-America level, as Mike Skelton was honored in 2013 by the United Soccer Coaches along with Jose Guitian, a D3Hoops All-American back in 2009 and Mack Kingman was recognized in 2016.

LaFrancesca continued "Carly's work ethic and dedication to being the best she can be paid off in the best way possible. The player she is on and off the field make her a pleasure to coach and an even better peer to those on the team. This award could not be anymore well deserved."

Zdanek will be honored at the annual United Soccer Coaches All-America Luncheon on Saturday, January 20, 2018, in Philadelphia, PA. The event honors All-America players at the youth, high school, and college levels, and is held in conjunction with the United Soccer Coaches Convention.