July 29, 2004

MILWAUKEE - Gonzaga University soccer player Annie Hawkins was recently selected to the United States Adult Soccer Association National Select Team after competing in the Olympic Sports Festival in mid-July. Hawkins and her twin sister, Sarah, played for Region IV representing the State of Washington in the week long event. Annie was then selected to the USASA Women's National Amateur Team that squared off with the Australian Women's Olympic Team at Uihlein Park in Milwaukee. The USASA team fell behind 2-0 in the first half before playing the Athens-bound Australian's to a scoreless second half.

The USASA Soccer Festival pits the top amateur players from each of USASA's four regions to determine a player pool of 18 players to advance to the showcase games of the Soccer Festival. In this year's competition, the Australian Women's team stopped for a game in Milwaukee against the USASA squad prior to playing the US National team in an international friendly.

The United States Adult Soccer Association's (USASA) Select Teams Program provides players with the opportunity to compete at the highest available level within the USASA, in addition to identifying and showcasing players for the next level of competition. The program not only provides competitions for individuals but also determines a Regional and National State Select Teams Champion. The program serves as training ground for the U-16 through U-23 U.S. National Teams.

Annie and Sarah Hawkins will enter their senior year at Gonzaga after helping the Bulldogs post a school record 11 wins last season. Annie finished the 2003 season leading the WCC with 13 goals scored as she was named a first team All-WCC selection and third team All-West Region pick. Sarah was named honorable mention All-WCC after finishing the season with 5 goals and 3 assists. Gonzaga opens the 2004 season on August 27 at Wyoming.