Jan. 8, 2002

MILWAUKEE - Erin Blaedow (West Allis, Wis./Central) and Julie Ruma (Omaha, Neb./Marion) were named to the 2001 NSCAA/adidas Women's Scholar All-America Team according to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. Both were senior captains this past fall on the UWM women's soccer team and the led the Panthers to a Horizon League championship and NCAA Tournament berth.

Blaedow was a first-team selection after posting a 3.8 grade point average while majoring in elementary education. A starting midfielder, she was named the Horizon League Player of the Year after helping UWM remain undefeated in the league without allowing a single goal scored and earn the league regular-season title. Following a Horizon League tournament championship, she was crowned the tournament MVP. She was also selected to the All-Great Lakes Region first team last month.

Double-majoring in psychology and pre-med, Ruma posted a 3.9 gpa and was selected to the NSCAA/adidas Scholar All-America second team. Also playing in the midfield, Ruma was selected to the All-Horizon League first team. She helped guide the Panthers to the NCAA Tournament and was a part of a squad that finished at 15-5 for the winningest record in UWM women's soccer history.

All the student-athletes named to the Scholar All-America Team will be honored at the All-America Luncheon to be held at the 2002 NSCAA Convention on Jan. 19.